text: Chapter 2
  externally with both coalition partners and indigenous population, to support shaping the operational
  environment. Mutual trust developed through commander and staff actions, shape and set conditions that
  facilitate actions consistent with the understanding of competing interest and the moral principles of the Army
  Ethic.
  2-33. The BCT commander and staff consider the competitive environment of the area of operations and
  shape the operational environment to set conditions to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative. Different
  political entities,different personalities,tribal dynamics,religious interests,economic motivations,sources
  of security, and potential havens of refuge for enemies all contribute to the competitive nature of the
  operational environment. Not all of these interests are parallel and mutually supportive of the objectives and
  end state for a particular region. The commander and staff develop situational understanding and influences
  personalities and organizations to achieve objectives to shape the environment. Shaping the environment
  includes persuading and empowering other personalities and organizations to modify behaviors and actions
  consistent with the BCT commander’s intent and objectives. Setting conditions is an enduring process
  throughout all phases—a planning and execution tool used to divide an operation in duration or activity
  (ADP3-0)—of an operation.
  2-34. Shaping an area of operations requires integration of a broad variety of missions across multiple
  domains that can range from raids,civil reconnaissance,tactical PSYOP,and engaging with local leaders. In
  order to plan and execute these missions the BCT as well as its subordinate units must understand how the
  civil considerations affect the other mission variables. In particular, commanders may need to emphasize
  understanding organizations and people to include the relationships between them. When conditions are not
  favorable for future operations or are not aligned to the desired end state,the BCT conducts missions to shape
  the area of operation, changing those conditions, and setting conditions for future operations. The BCT
  establishes countermeasures to counter cross-domain threats and influencers attempting to shape the
  battlefield themselves.
  2-35. The BCT commander and staff understand through analysis of operational and mission variables,
  enhanced and developed thorough information collection to understand the competing dynamics within the
  area of operations. The commander and staff seek to understand the populations’interests and motivations
  and to identify pillar organizations that provide guidance, inspiration, and strength to the population. The
  BCT must understand who is influential in the area of operations to engage leaders,influence behaviors,and
  persuade neutral and fringe groups to synthesize with BCT objectives, and to plan and execute limited
  offensive operations that set conditions for future successes. Ultimately,greater understanding of operational
  and mission variables is essential to the development, planning, and execution of information-related
  capabilities that shape the operational environment.
  2-36. The BCT commander seeks to understand the competitive interests within an area of operations and
  how these interests influence desired outcomes and objectives. Some interests and motivations are supportive
  of the BCT’s objectives and others conflict,counter,and disrupt efforts of the desired end state. The BCT’s
  ability to shape and set conditions for favorable outcomes relates to the BCT’s ability to understand the
  influence of different competitive interests. The commander and staff seek answers to information gaps
  through the development of intelligence requirements that are satisfied through active information operations
  (see ATP3-13.1) within a given area. Staffs develop options for the commander through information
  collection and analysis so the commander can inform the populace and influence various actors to shape the
  environments.
  2-37. Analysis of the motivations and interests of personalities and organizations provide insight to future
  information operations seeking to modify behaviors counter to friendly force objectives. Subordinate
  commanders and staffs develop plans and operations that support the BCT commander’s intent and desired
  end state. Supporting efforts empower key influencers and organizations,and persuade neutral audiences,to
  bolster legitimacy and secure vital interests and objectives. Coercive efforts attack to neutralize the enemy’s
  narrative. The BCT uses coercive efforts to counter enemy propaganda and isolates adversaries or enemies
  from their support base to begin the psychological breakdown of adversary or enemy organizations. The BCT
  shapes conditions for favorable objectives in line with the interests of the host nation contributing to the
  enemy’s defeat through use of military deception,engagements,and communication mediums.
  2-38. Activities that shape the operational environment derive success in how effectively they persuade the
  populace and empower the host-nation government. All efforts focus on bolstering the legitimacy of the rule