text: Chapter 3
  Clear Hold Build
  Offense Offense
  Offense Defense
  Defense Stability Defense
  Stability
  Stability
  Figure 3-5. Clear-hold-build framework.
  OVERVIEW
  3-106. This pattern of operation is to clear, hold, and build one village, area, or city at a time—and then
  expand into another area. In previous conflicts, this was known as the "Oil Spot Strategy." This type
  of operation was used successfully in Algeria and Indochina by the French, who called it tache d’huile;
  in Malaysia by the British, who referred to it as "The Briggs Plan"; and in Tal Afar by the Americans, who
  named it "clear-hold-build." This operation aims to develop a long-term, effective Host Nation government
  framework and presence in the area, which secures the people and facilitates meeting their basic needs,
  and provides legitimate governance.
  3-107. The purpose of America’s ground forces is to fight and win the Nation’s wars. Throughout
  history, however, the Army has been called on to perform many tasks beyond pure combat; this has been
  particularly true during the conduct of COIN operations. COIN operations will continue to require Soldiers
  to be ready both to fight and to build—depending on the security situation and a variety of other factors.
  RESOURCES
  3-108. Clear-hold-build operations require a substantial commitment of resources, time and a clear unity
  of effort by civil authorities, other agencies, and security forces. Counterinsurgent commanders must first
  plan and prepare for a long-term effort. Before conducting a clear-hold-build operation, units must ensure
  that they have identified or coordinated for—
  • Adequate troops, US and HN, to clear the insurgents from a designated area.
  • Interagency cooperation and unity of effort.
  • Sufficient resources, expertise, and labor to restore essential services.
  • A local government that will support the operation.
  • Means for US and HN security (military, police, and paramilitary) forces to share intelligence.
  OBJECTIVES
  3-109. Actual operations begin by controlling access to the area and then by controlling key points within
  the area. Security and influence can then spread out from these areas. Often, the steps of clear-hold-build
  operations will overlap, especially between hold and build, where activities are often conducted
  simultaneously. Clear-hold-build operations have the following objectives:
  • Create a secure physical and psychological environment.
  • Provide continuous security for the local populace.
  • Eliminate the insurgent presence.
  • Reinforce political primacy.
  • Enforce the rule of law.