text: Using the Operational Framework
  overall responsibility for security, movement, and terrain management. In such cases, theater and field armies
  are responsible for robust coordination and liaison with the host nation.
  C-23. During operations, commanders may need to establish AOs for subordinate formations in their
  echelon’s rear area. This is particularly true in the offense as friendly force gains territory, to exploit tactical
  success while enabling freedom of action for forces operating in other areas. When designated, these areas
  may have all of the characteristics of the close area as subordinate forces conduct operations. The purpose of
  establishing these AOs is to unencumber units conducting close operations and enabling the higher echelon
  headquarters to focus on close operations, deep operations, and future planning.
  C-24. When these AOs are initially established by corps and divisions they are focused on the reduction of
  bypassed enemy forces, securing routes and population centers, and setting the conditions for broader, more
  focused stability operations in the future, as conditions allow. As the overall operation develops, commanders
  may identify areas where operations can transition to consolidating initial military gains and setting
  conditions for the eventual transition to follow-on forces or other legitimate authorities. Operations in these
  AOs may be overseen by the either the rear command post or the main command post depending upon the
  overall pace of operations and the commander’s guidance.
  C-25. Corps and divisions may establish multiple subordinate AOs in their respective rear areas during
  operations. Once these AOs are established, they must be managed as units request boundary shifts to support
  future operations. As tactical formations continue their advance, they pass responsibility for these AOs to
  their higher echelon headquarters when the span of control exceeds their capability to effectively command
  and control them. These transfers allow them to maintain their focus and the tempo of operations. The higher
  headquarters then decides whether to continue operations or shift the focus of those formations to other tasks.
  The land component command, or field army when constituted, plans and coordinates the capabilities
  necessary to exploit military success across an AO. Although field armies may not initially control forces
  directly, it may become necessary for them to assume responsibility for any areas handed off by corps and
  divisions. When field armies assume responsibility for these areas, they will also assume control of the units
  operating in them. By doing so, they unencumber their subordinate tactical headquarters allowing them to
  remain focused on combat operations.
  C-26. The land component command, or field army, in conjunction with the theater army, prioritize longer
  term stability operations in areas where ground combat is largely concluded to set the conditions for the
  successful consolidation of gains as part of fulfilling the strategic objectives for the conflict. Field armies
  also coordinate with the theater army for the eventual transition of these areas to other legitimate authorities.
  The theater army plans and coordinates the capabilities necessary to sustain the long-term consolidation of
  gains during and after conflict. This planning begins as early as possible and in close coordination with the
  field army to ensure success. Oftentimes, this planning will run in parallel with planning for large-scale
  ground combat operations.
  Planning Considerations for the Rear Area
  C-27. During rear operations, the primary considerations of commanders and their staffs are the positioning,
  employment, and protection of assets required to sustain, enable, and control operations. These
  considerations include—
  * Security.
  * Sustainment.
  * Terrain management.
  * Movement control.
  * Protection.
  * Infrastructure development.
  * Coordination with host-nation and multinational governmental organizations.
  * The orderly transferring of areas to another headquarters as their units continue to advance or their
  mission changes.
  * Focusing initial operations on establishing security, limiting human suffering, and providing basic
  life support to prevent the further movement of refugees or displaced persons on the battlefield.