text: Chapter 2
  2-55. To consolidate gains, the BCT commander reinforces and integrates the efforts of all unified action
  partners within the area of operations. The BCT staff deliberately plans and prepares, in coordination with
  higher headquarters,for consolidating gains to capitalize on successes beforean operationbegins. Planning
  should address changes to task organization and the additional assets required in a specific situation.
  Additional engineer,military police,civil affairs,and medical capabilities typically support the security and
  stability of large areas. In some instances, the BCT is in charge of integrating and synchronizing their
  activities,in others the BCT isina supporting role.The provision of minimum-essential stability operations
  tasks (see paragraph8-48) within the BCT’s areaof operations can include providing security,food,water,
  and medical treatment.
  2-56. The BCT consolidates gains within its capability by seizing, retaining, and exploiting initiative and
  opportunities resulting from information collection,interaction with people and organizations,offensive and
  defensive operations, information-related capabilities, civil-military operations, and cyberspace
  electromagnetic activities(CEMA). The BCT consolidates gains through decisive action, executing offense,
  defense, and stability to defeat the enemy or adversary in detail and begin to set security conditions that
  support the desired end state (see ADP 3-0).The BCT develops and reassesses the situation,perception,and
  opportunities through continuous information collection to maintain positive momentum and tactical gains.
  2-57. The BCT commander and staff influence host partners and populace through compelling narratives
  that explain actions,discredit enemy propaganda,and highlight common goals,themes,and messages. The
  BCT develops information and intelligence to understand,shape,and influence the operational environment
  and consolidate positive gains leading towards desired objectives. The commander and staff analyze
  operational and mission variables to provide understanding of the operational environment and to influence
  the people and organizations within the BCT’s area of operations. The BCT influences, persuades, and
  empowers people and organizations to shape the environment and support sustainable objectives. Setting
  conditions to shape transcends phases and is continuous throughout all operations.
  2-58. The BCT commander seeks opportunities to maintain pressure on enemy forces,highlight and promote
  positive contributions in rule of law and governance, and exploit weaknesses in enemy narratives to
  consolidate successes. Executing tasks to accomplish objectives that are consistent with the higher
  commander’s intent achieves consolidation. Consolidation of gains capitalizes on the positive actions and
  objectives through information collection, offensive and defensive operations, information operations,
  narratives, themes, messages, and host-nation partnerships to bridge tactical success with operational and
  strategic objectives. In essence, the consolidation of gains (demonstrated in the discussion below) links
  positive,contributing tactical actions with operational and strategic objectives.
  Necessity to Consolidate Gains and Establish Area Security
  1 FM 3-0 states that consolidation of gains occurs in portions of an area of operations,
  where large-scale combat operations are no longer occurring. Nevertheless, enemy forces
  will likely continue to fight and exploit any kind of friendly weaknesses across all domains.
  Thus, the constant awareness of the necessity to consolidate gains, to plan accordingly,
  and to allocate sufficient resources must become a constant staff consideration.
  Before units can appropriately consolidate gains, they must successfully establish security.
  The actions of the 82d Airborne Division on 3 and 4 February 1945 provide a clear
  example of how units should first establish security in an area before beginning deliberate
  consolidation of gains.
  [3 February 1945] The division strengthened and consolidated defensive positions;
  eliminated scattered groups of enemy remaining in rear areas; repulsed strong
  counterattacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. [4 February 1945] The division
  maintained defensive positions and patrolled aggressively to the East. The 99th ID
  commenced relief of front-line units of the division.
  2Only one day after the 82d Airborne Division successfully breached the German Siegfried
  Line against “insane opposition,” the division not only consolidated the newly captured
  position as part of the actions on the objective, but continued clearing bypassed enemy
  remnant elements by patrolling into enemy territory. This created the tactical conditions