text: Chapter 9
  nation’s institutions. The commander must understand that conditions associated with the clear, the hold,
  and the build phases may be present at any time in different areas. U.S. ground forces can expect to carry
  out a range of tasks simultaneously in varying combinations and varying intensity throughout the entirety
  of shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework.
  9-11. The shape-clear-hold-build-transition method has imperatives that help counterinsurgents turn the
  method from theory into practical application. The imperatives are—
  * The conditions are assessed across several variables and cannot be taken in isolation.
  * The phase that the environment is in dictates the decisive operation, priorities, and resourcing.
  * In the clear, hold, and build phases, counterinsurgents must simultaneously conduct offensive,
  defensive, and stability tasks.
  * Each area requires its own assessment and assessments change over time.
  * The shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework is not a straightforward path, as the operational
  environment can change and cause the counterinsurgent to lose progress. However, the
  methodology is meant to be progressive. Improving conditions in the environment allows for
  progression from one phase to the next. In essence, the operational framework is determined by
  the operational environment. Changes in the capacity of any element in the environment can
  change the conditions on the ground and, therefore, change the priorities and actions of the
  counterinsurgent, including the host-nation forces.
  * The shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework is only reactive if the unit on the ground
  responds to conditions. The framework can be proactive if the counterinsurgents dictate the
  conditions they want to establish and provide the resources and emphasis necessary to achieve
  them.
  * Although an area is in a certain phase, this does not preclude operations associated with other
  phases. For example, although a unit is in the build phase, that does not preclude that unit from
  performing offensive operations against underground cells.
  9-12. Executing operations in the shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework requires counterinsurgents
  to continually address the root causes of the insurgency. Actions taken in the clear, hold, and build phases
  are not executed in isolation. Instead, elements of each phase must be conducted simultaneously. The
  shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework does not require phasing or stages of operations, but a
  commander may create phases or stages of operations corresponding generally to shape-clear-hold-build-
  transition phases in order to synchronize actions and priorities effectively.
  9-13. The shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework is driven by the conditions in an area of operations.
  To facilitate discussion of these conditions, figure 9-1 depicts the generic spectrum of counterinsurgency
  conflict. The graph portrays the relationship of capacity between insurgents, the host-nation government,
  the host-nation security forces, the host-nation population, and external counterinsurgents. Capacity
  represents the ability to change the conditions in the environment towards insurgents or counterinsurgents.
  As counterinsurgents are able to impact these conditions, the capability spectrum changes. The left hand
  side of the graph depicts the worst-case scenario in which insurgents possess increased capacity compared
  to the host nation. The right hand side of the graph depicts the best-case scenario in which the host-nation
  capacity is sufficient to counter the insurgent capability without assistance from external counterinsurgents.
  The shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework describes the process counterinsurgents take to progress
  from the left of the graph to the right. (See figure 9-1.)