text: Chapter 3
  to be similar to the clear phase of a clear-hold-build operation. Units may also incorporate strike operations
  and PRC operations during this phase. Against a determined insurgency, the initial response may last
  months or years.
  TRANSFORMATION PHASE
  3-178. The transformation phase represents a broad range of post-conflict reconstruction, stabilization,
  and capacity-building. The transformation phase may be executed in either crisis or vulnerable states.
  Counterinsurgent forces are most active here, working aggressively along all lines of effort (LOEs). The
  desire in this stage is to develop and build enduring capability and capacity in the HN government
  and security forces. As civil security is assured, focus expands to include the development of legitimate
  governance, provision of essential services, and stimulation of economic development. Relationships with
  HN counterparts in the government and security forces and with the local populace are developed
  and strengthened. These relationships increase the flow of intelligence. This intelligence facilitates
  measured offensive operations in conjunction with the HN security forces. The Host Nation increases its
  legitimacy through providing security, expanding effective governance, providing essential services,
  and achieving incremental success in meeting public expectations.
  3-179. At the tactical level, the transformation phase may look a lot like the hold phase of a
  clear-hold-build operation. Units may use Strike operations and PRC operations that complement their
  holding efforts. Once again, a tenacious insurgency may cause the transformation or hold phase to last
  months or even years.
  FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY PHASE
  3-180. Fostering sustainability phase encompasses long-term efforts that capitalize on capacity-building
  and reconstruction activities to establish conditions that enable sustainable development. This phase
  is characterized by the expansion of stability operations across contested regions, ideally using HN security
  forces. The main goal for this phase is to transition responsibility for COIN operations to HN leadership
  and security forces. In this phase, the multinational force works with the Host Nation in an increasingly
  supporting role, turning over responsibility wherever and whenever appropriate. QRF and fire support
  capabilities may still be needed in some areas, but more functions along all LOEs are performed by HN
  security forces with the assistance of multinational advisors. In this phase, the Host Nation has established
  or reestablished the systems needed to provide effective and stable governance that sustains the rule of law.
  The government secures its citizens continuously, sustains and builds legitimacy through effective
  governance, has effectively isolated the insurgency, and can manage and meet the expectations of the
  population.
  3-181. At the tactical level, the fostering sustainability phase may resemble the build phase of a
  clear-hold-build operation. Due to the stable security environment, PRC operations may be relaxed.
  In ungoverned areas, there still may be a requirement for strike operations to disrupt the remnants of an
  insurgency. This phase progresses at the pace of the HN’s ability to rebuild their infrastructure
  and institutions, assume control of their security, and provide legitimate governance to the people.
  SUMMARY
  The foundations of COIN are the guiding principles for any unit conducting counterinsurgency operations.
  Once understood and applied they enable commanders to craft a coherent plan that achieves unity
  of effort amongst all organizations in the area of operations.