text: Considerations to Achieve Unity of Effort
  Figure 3-1. Levels of interaction
  Coexistence
  3-126. Coexistence describes when multiple groups are present in an area but do not interact or
  communicate with each other. This may be the case with certain groups who do not want any affiliation
  with military forces at all.
  Communication
  3-127. Communication describes when parties have periodic contact, such as at routine meetings, but do
  not share substantive information on a regular basis, if at all. Parties can contact each other if necessary (for
  example, they may retain phone numbers for each other). When parties do not share any common interests,
  direct communication may not even be possible. In cases where no direct communication exists, they may
  sometimes relay messages through intermediaries such as civilian personnel associated with the mission or
  host-nation officials.
  Information Sharing
  3-128. Information sharing occurs when parties share substantive information periodically, but such
  activities are often circumspect and may not occur on a regular basis. Exchanged information is likely to be
  limited to matters of extremely high mutual concern. For example, a NGO may be willing to provide some
  information regarding a mass atrocity that has occurred but will be unwilling to share details about its
  planned operations.
  Formal Coordination
  3-129. Formal coordination occurs when parties regularly exchange information on a wide range of
  topics, to include some planned operations. This coordination includes generally answering most requests
  for information when parties can reasonably do so. The parties may find it beneficial to meet on a routine
  basis and may invite representatives to attend their own internal meetings.