text: Chapter 7
  7-45. A successful transition is achieved when it is executed properly and in synchronization with all the
  relevant organizations, entities, and agencies. Planning for transitions is more than the identification of the
  events that govern phases and branches for planning. It requires a holistic framing to develop the full
  appreciation of the tasks, time, and resources required to execute effectively and efficiently in a
  counterinsurgency environment. Well-planned transitions require proactive analysis and continuous
  assessment during execution. Assessment of qualitative and quantitative criteria, supported by expert
  opinion, should inform the decision to transition.
  OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
  7-46. There are certain operational considerations that have important consequences for planning and
  executing counterinsurgency operations. Currently, insurgencies are likely to be networked. This makes
  attack the network an essential operational consideration in understanding an insurgency and planning and
  executing a counterinsurgency. Other considerations include remote area considerations, border
  considerations, and basing. Counterinsurgency operations normally integrate information related
  capabilities with other capabilities, and information operations are essential to most operational approaches.
  This makes information operations uniquely important to counterinsurgents. (See paragraphs 4-88 through
  4-103 for more information on networked insurgencies.)
  ATTACK THE NETWORK
  7-47. Attack the network operations can be essential in planning and an essential consideration for every
  step in the operations process. When an insurgency is deeply networked into a society, it is important that
  attack the network operations are integrated into planning, preparing, executing, and assessing operations.
  Networked insurgencies must be understood and attacked.
  7-48. Attack the network operations provide the primary means to attack an insurgent network or enable a
  host-nation force to defeat a networked insurgency. As such, they must be integrated and used when
  counterinsurgents are facing a networked insurgency. (See paragraphs 4-88 through 4-103 for more
  information on networked insurgencies.)
  7-49. Attack the network operations consist of activities that employ lethal and nonlethal means to support
  friendly networks, influence neutral networks, and neutralize threat networks. Attack the network
  operations are conducted continuously and simultaneously at multiple levels (tactical, operational, and
  strategic) throughout the whole of government. Attack the network operations are constructed around six
  fundamentals:
  * Understand the mission.
  * Understand the operational environment.
  * Understand the networks. (See paragraphs 4-88 through 4-103 for more information on networked
  insurgencies.)
  * Organize for the fight.
  * Engage the network.
  * Assess.
  7-50. While listed sequentially, these actions occur continuously and simultaneously and are designed as
  an enhancement to planning processes and intelligence preparation of the battlefield/battlespace. Effective
  attack the network operations occur when operations and intelligence efforts are synchronized. Failure to
  synchronize efforts may hamper a unit’s ability to plan and operate in an efficient manner.
  7-51. Attack the network operations predominantly support problem framing and mission analysis within
  planning. During the initial stages of planning, intelligence preparation of the battlefield/battlespace must
  include an analysis and graphical (geospatial) representation of an operational environment as a series of
  interconnected networks (friendly, neutral, and threat) in addition to weather, terrain, and civil
  considerations. Threats to mission accomplishment can be presented by any network, not solely threat
  networks.