text: Appendix A
  Area of Operations
  A-7. An area of operations is an operational area defined by a commander for land and maritime forces that
  should be large enough to accomplish their missions and protect their forces (JP 3-0). An area of operations
  (AO) is always completed enclosed by boundaries. An AO could consist of a singular boundary. An AO can
  also be enclosed with forward, rear, and lateral boundaries as shown in figure A-1. Figure A-2 depicts a
  division AO with subordinate BCT assigned areas. See paragraph 1-56 for more information on an AO.
  Figure A-1. AO with forward, rear, and lateral boundaries