text: The Offense
  and resources allow. The second technique is to establish a security area generally along the unit’s final
  positions, moving the main body rearward to defensible terrain. The security force thins out and the remaining
  force deploys to organize the defense. In both methods, the unit keeps the security area with the appropriate
  depth to enable dispersion and minimize early threat acquisition of friendly positions.
  3-66. In the first technique, the security area often lacks depth because the force lacks sufficient combat
  power to seize required terrain. In the second technique, enemy forces may accurately template the forward
  trace of friendly units and engage with artillery and other fire support systems. These actions often result in
  the loss of additional friendly Soldiers and equipment and expend more resources.
  3-67. If units determine the necessity of terminating an offense and conducting a retrograde, typically
  subordinate units initially conduct an area defense from their current locations. This lasts until their units can
  synchronize their activities to conduct retrograde operations. The amount of effort expended in establishing
  an area defense depends on the mission variables.
  TRANSITION TO STABILITY
  3-68. The end of focused offensive operations may not be the decisive act. The successful performance of
  stability tasks may be the main effort in a major operation or campaign. Units and staffs plan the transition
  to focus on the conduct of stability tasks from the conduct of offensive operations. To assist in this transition
  to stability-focused operations, units continuously consolidate gains. Units consider activities necessary to
  consolidate gains while seeking to achieve their end state. It is the final exploitation of tactical success.