text: Overview
  of a phase.Descriptionsofeffortsduringeachphaseshould emphasizeeffort,concentrate combatpowerin
  timeandspaceat a decisivepoint,andaccomplishitsobjectivesdeliberatelyandlogically.
  1-22. Phasing is critical to arranging all tasks of an operation that cannot be conducted simultaneously.
  Commanders, with the assistance of the staff, visualize the mission, decide which tactics to use, and
  balance the tasks of unified land operations while preparing their intent and concept of operations
  (CONOPS). They determine which tasks the force can accomplish simultaneously, if phasing is required,
  whatadditionalresources are necessary, and howto transitionfromone taskto another. Atthe operational
  level,thisrequireslookingbeyondthecurrentoperationandprioritizingforcesforthenextphaseorsequel.
  1-23. Transitions mark a change of focusbetweenphasesor betweenthe ongoingoperationand execution
  of a branchor sequel. Transitions require planningand preparation wellbefore their execution to maintain
  the momentum and tempo of operations. The force is vulnerable during transitions, and commanders
  establish clear conditions for their execution. Transition occurs for several reasons. It may occur from an
  operationdominated by combined arms maneuver to one dominated by wide area security. Anunexpected
  changeinconditionsmayrequirecommanders to direct anabrupttransitionbetweenphases.Insuchcases,
  the overall composition of the force remains unchanged despite sudden changes in mission, task
  organization, and rules of engagement. Typically, task organization evolves to meet changing conditions;
  however, transition planning also must account for changes in mission. Commanders continuously assess
  the situation andtask-organize andcycletheir forcesto retainthe initiative. Theystrive toachievechanges
  inemphasiswithoutincurringanoperationalpause.
  1-24. TheJFC’svisionofhow a campaignoroperationshouldunfold andanticipatedenemyactiondrives
  decisions regarding phasing. Generally, joint operations and campaigns involve six phases (shape, deter,
  seizeinitiative,dominate, stabilize,and enablecivilauthority)asillustrated infigure 1-1.Phasingassistsin
  framing commander’s intent and assigning tasks to subordinate commanders. Byarranging operations and
  activities into phases, the joint force commander can better integrate and synchronize subordinate
  operations in time, space, and purpose. Each phase represents a natural subdivision of the campaign or
  operation. Within the context of the phases established by a JFC, subordinate JFCs and component
  commanders may establish additional phases that fit their CONOPS. A creditable threat of forcible entry
  operations can be an effective deterrence and may be applicable in both Phase 0 (Shape) and Phase I
  (Deter).
  Figure 1-1. Joint phasing model
  1-25. A forcible entry operation normally is conducted during Phase II (Seize the Initiative) or Phase III
  (Dominate) of a joint operation. A forcible entry operation may be the JFC’s opening move to seize the
  initiative. For example, a JFC might direct friendly forces to conduct a vertical envelopment (airborne or
  air assault operation) to seize and hold a lodgment to ensure the continuous landingof troops and materiel
  and provide the maneuver space to conduct follow-on operations. The establishment of the lodgment,
  followed bythearrivaland preparationoffollow-onforces, usuallymarksthe endofthe forcibleentrysub-
  phaseoftheoperationand a transitiontofurtheroffensiveoperationstoseizetheinitiativeordominate.