text: Chapter 2
  Close Operations
  2-26. Close operations are tactical actions of subordinate maneuver forces and the forces providing
  immediate support to them, whose purpose is to employ maneuver and fires to close with and destroy enemy
  forces (FM 3-0). At the operational level, close operations comprise the efforts of large tactical units—corps
  and divisions, and sometimes theater armies—to win current battles by defeating enemy forces after setting
  favorable terms to do so. At the tactical level, close operations comprise the efforts of smaller tactical units
  to win current engagements through movement combined with direct and indirect fires while physically in
  contact with the enemy forces they intend to destroy and defeat. (See FM 3-0 for more information on close
  operations.)
  Rear Operations
  2-27. Rear operations are tactical actions behind major subordinate maneuver forces that facilitate
  movement, extend operational reach, and maintain desired tempo (FM 3-0). This includes continuity of
  sustainment and command and control. Rear operations support close and deepoperations. At the operational
  level, rear operations sustain current operations and prepare for the next phase of the campaign or major
  operation. These operations are numerous, complex, and continuous. At the tactical level, rear operations
  enable the desired tempo of combat, assuring that friendly forces have the agility to exploit any opportunity.
  Rear operations typically include five broad activities: positioning and moving reserves; positioning and
  repositioning aviation, fire support, and air and missile defense units; conducting support area operations;
  securing sustainment and command and control nodes; and controlling tactical unit movement between the
  division or corps rear boundary and units conducting close operations. All these activities compete for limited
  terrain and lines of communications. (See FM 3-0 for more information on rear operations.)
  Support Area Operations
  2-28. Support area operations are a critical part of rear operations. Support area operations are tactical
  actions securing lines of communications, bases, and base clusters that enable an echelon’s sustainment and
  command and control (FM 3-0).