text: Chapter 1
  Figure 1-5. Elements of decisive action
  OFFENSE
  1-44. An offensive operation is an operation to defeat or destroy enemy forces and gain control of terrain,
  resources, and population centers (ADP 3-0). Seizing, retaining, and exploiting the initiative to gain physical
  advantages and achieve definitive results is the essence of the offense. Offensive operations seek to throw
  enemy forces off balance, overwhelm their capabilities, disrupt their defenses, and ensure their defeat or
  destruction by maneuver. An offense ends when the force achieves the purpose of the operation, reaches a
  limit of advancement, or approaches culmination. ARFOR conclude an offensive operation by consolidating
  gains through security and stability tasks, resuming the attack, shifting over to the defense, or preparing for
  future operations. ARFOR conduct four types of offensive operations—movement to contact, attack,
  exploitation, and pursuit. See ADP 3-90 for additional information on the conduct of offensive tasks.
  1-45. The MEB ability to conduct offensive operations is limited. During offensive operations, the focus of
  the MEB is typically on the protection and security of the support area, to include actions required to secure
  and protect lines of communication (see appendix C). The MEB may also conduct or provide support to a
  movement corridor in support of troop movement and logistics preparations in support of offensive
  operations in the close area or rear area. The MEB is not structured to conduct offensive tasks as a brigade
  but it may plan, conduct, and provide command and control for offensive tasks performed by assigned
  maneuver units and a TCF as part of security for the support area.
  1-46. The MEB can form task forces or company teams to support the offensive operations of its supported
  headquarters. These organizations may be attached or placed OPCON to BCTs or employed by the MEB to
  complement or reinforce maneuver forces across the AO of higher headquarters for a specific or select
  mission or tasks that support the main effort. However, specific or select missions does not imply long-term
  task organization. If the MEB becomes a force provider for an enduring period of time, it could become
  ineffective in its ability to conduct support area operations.
  DEFENSE
  1-47. A defensive operation is an operation to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and
  develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations (ADP 3-0). The defense alone normally
  cannot achieve a decision. However, it can create conditions for a counteroffensive operation that allows
  ARFOR to regain the initiative. Defensive tasks can establish a shield behind which stability tasks can
  progress. Defensive tasks counter enemy offensive tasks. They defeat attacks, destroying as much of the
  attacking enemy as possible. They preserve control over land, resources, and populations. Defensive tasks