text: Security Operations
   Assembly area security. Protection is critical for forces that are arrayed in tactical assembly
  areas and do not possess comprehensive, organic protection capabilities or are focused on
  other mission objectives.
   Critical asset security. Critical asset security is the protection and security of personnel and
  physical assets or information that is analyzed and deemed essential to the operation and
  success of the mission and to resources required for protection (ADP 3-37). For example,
  command posts and operations centers are often protected through area security techniques
  that involve the employment of protection and security assets in a layered, integrated, and
  redundant manner. This can often keep hostile threats at a distance by maximizing the standoff
  distance from explosive effects, while keeping the protected asset outside the range of enemy
  or adversary direct-fire weapons and observation.
   Port area and pier security. Ground forces may provide area security for air and seaports along
  with pier areas. (See JP 3-10 for additional information on dedicated port security units.)
  * Line of communication and route security. The security and protection of lines of communications
  and supply routes are critical to military operations because most support traffic moves along these
  routes. The security of lines of communications and supply routes (rail, pipeline, highway, and
  waterway) presents one of the greatest security challenges in an AO. Line of communication and
  route security operations are defensive in nature and are terrain oriented. A route security force
  prevents an enemy or adversary force from impeding, harassing, or destroying traffic along a route
  or portions of a route.
  * Convoy security. A convoy security operation is a specialized type of line of communication or
  route security operations. Units conduct convoy security operations when there are insufficient
  friendly forces to continuously secure routes in an AO and there is a significant danger of enemy
  or adversary ground action directed against the convoy. Commanders may also conduct convoy
  security operations in conjunction with route security operations. Planning includes designating
  units for convoy security; providing guidance on techniques for units to provide for their own
  security during convoys; or establishing protection and security requirements for convoys carrying
  critical assets. Local or theater policy typically dictates when and which convoys receive security
  and protection. (See ATP 4-01.45/MCRP 3-40F.7/NTTP 4-01.6/AFTTP 3-2.58 for more
  information on convoy security training.)
  * Response force operations. Response forces take measures to prevent enemy attacks. Response
  force operations expediently reinforce unit organic protection capabilities or complement that
  protection with maneuver capabilities based on the threat. (See FM 3-39 for more information on
  quick response force operations.)
   Mobile security force. A mobile security force is a highly mobile and dedicated security force
  with the capability to defeat Level I and II threats in a joint security area (JP 3-10). Typically,
  a mobile security force is a military police unit.
   Tactical combat force. A tactical combat force is a rapidly deployable, air-ground, mobile
  combat unit with appropriate combat support and combat service support assets assigned to,
  and capable of defeating Level III threats, including combined arms (JP 3-10). Typically, a
  tactical combat force is either a combined arms battalion, Stryker infantry battalion, or a
  cavalry squadron.
   Quick response force. Quick response forces are a dedicated force on a base with adequate
  tactical mobility and fire support designated to defeat Level I and Level II threats and shape
  Level III threats until they can be defeated by a tactical combat force or other available
  response forces (ATP 3-37.10/MCRP 3-4D.13).
  * Area damage control. Area damage control consists of measures taken before, during, and/or after
  hostile actions or natural or man-made disasters to reduce the probability of damage and minimize
  its effects (JP 3-10). Units assigned this activity immediately begin hardening critical assets and
  take action to prevent damage before hostile actions. During and after hostile action, when the
  damage and scope of the attack is limited, units respond and recover with local assets and
  resources. This recovery involves resuming operations, maintaining or restoring order, evacuating
  casualties, isolating danger or hazard areas, and mitigating personnel and material losses. (See JP
  3-10 for more information on area damage control.)