text: Direct Methods for Countering Insurgencies
  the commander must consider securing the population and building host-nation capability. Actions taken
  while achieving the effects necessary for clear should not alienate the population. The messages of
  information operations are important while performing clear. Responsible use of force is essential.
  9-22. Counterinsurgents conduct information operations to achieve the effects of the clear component. The
  focus for information operations during the clear is the insurgency’s combatants, the underground and
  auxiliary elements, and the host-nation population. Counterinsurgents’ information operations should
  facilitate operations which eliminate the combatants from an area, facilitate effective information collection
  on the combatants, and build a sense of security among the population.
  HOLD
  9-23. Counterinsurgents do not execute tasks associated with the clear component unless they have
  developed the capability to execute tasks in the hold. Beginning shape-clear-hold-build-transition
  framework operations requires resources in the form of manpower, time, money, and development
  programs (but this framework is based on capacity, not resources). For this reason, these type of operations
  cannot be conducted everywhere and must be prioritized. To meet the imperatives listed above, the
  counterinsurgent must progress along the framework to continue to improve conditions in the environment.
  Therefore, units should not clear an area that they cannot hold. Until those conditions exist, the
  counterinsurgent may choose to continue to prepare or shape the environment for future
  shape-clear-hold-build-transition framework operations.
  9-24. As the capability of the insurgency decreases in an area based on counterinsurgency operations, the
  capacity of the host-nation government and security force must increase. As the conditions improve to the
  point that offensive operations aimed at eliminating the insurgency’s combatants are no longer the priority
  and the host-nation population has freedom of movement, counterinsurgents can begin to execute tasks and
  operations associated with hold. The hold involves disrupting insurgent activities in an area and providing a
  good security environment for the population. The objective of the hold is to set the conditions for the
  host-nation security apparatus to provide security for the population. For this reason, the hold lasts as long
  as it takes to—
  * Develop the capability of the host-nation security forces.
  * Reduce the enemy strength in the area to the point that the host-nation security forces can take
  lead responsibility for security.
  9-25. Lead responsibility means that the host-nation security forces are the decision authority for allocation
  of resources, priority of tasks and operations, and tactical decisions during operations. Counterinsurgents
  continue to eliminate the insurgency’s leadership and infrastructure. However, perhaps more importantly,
  counterinsurgents should focus on securing the population. During this period, proper basing of
  counterinsurgent forces is essential. If an area is supportive of an insurgency, then a base of
  counterinsurgent forces may sever the relationship between insurgents and the population. If the area is
  neutral or has pockets of support for the government, then the base should be established where it can best
  help in developing the area.
  9-26. Contact with the population should be continuous, predominantly with host-nation entities (security
  forces, law and order officials, and government representatives) leading and U.S. counterinsurgents in
  support. Information operation activities provide opportunities for contact with the population. From the
  start of operations, Soldier and Marine actions in these areas, if culturally astute, can build bonds with the
  local population and in many cases change the attitudes of the people. Ultimately, the goal of this contact is
  twofold: to gain a better picture of the actual situation and to turn the population’s support toward the
  government.
  9-27. Counterinsurgents must also secure key physical infrastructure. Because resources are always
  limited, parts of the infrastructure vital for stability and vulnerable to attack must receive the priority of
  protection, specifically the protection of capable host-nation security forces (if possible). This can be
  accomplished by analyzing the risk and likelihood of attack on various sites in the area of operations.
  9-28. Much like the clear, achieving the hold requires counterinsurgents execute offense, defense, and
  stability tasks. While achieving the hold, defensive tasks and operations are the priority. However, to meet
  the objectives of the hold, the line of effort associated with development of the host-nation security forces