text: Chapter 4
  units maintain momentum by synchronizing the actions of friendly maneuver, functional and multifunctional
  support, and sustainment elements.
  TRANSITION TO AN ATTACK
  4-84. The decision to conduct a hasty or deliberate operation is based on the commander’s current knowledge
  of the enemy situation and assessment of whether the assets available (to include time) and the means to
  coordinate and synchronize those assets are adequate to accomplish the mission. If assets and means are
  lacking, the unit takes additional time to plan and prepare for the operation or bring additional forces to bear
  on the problem. The commander makes that choice in an environment of uncertainty, which always entails
  some risk. Ongoing improvements in command and control systems continue to assist in the development of
  a common operational picture of friendly and enemy forces while facilitating decision making and
  communicating decisions to friendly forces.
  TRANSITION TO A DEFENSE
  4-85. Some transitions require friendly forces to transition into a defense. If the movement to contact does
  not defeat the enemy force or the friendly force has lost, then friendly forces get a different momentum. This
  changed momentum may dictate the transition into the defense. Friendly forces may lose their momentum
  and transition from a movement to contact to a defense for several reasons:
  * The size, location, and composition of the enemy is significantly different than what was
  templated, and the friendly force risks destruction if they continue the movement to contact.
  * If directed by their higher headquarters during planning. For example, if the unit was directed to
  conduct a movement to contact to a specified phase line and arrive without meeting the enemy
  then a hasty defense is needed to hold the terrain gained until directed to move on.
  * Friendly forces outrun their logistics and risk culmination.
  * Friendly combat losses prevent the unit from continuing to advance.
  * The loss of external assets within range to support the continued advance of friendly forces.
  4-86. If friendly forces lose momentum, the commander decides when to transition to a defense. The
  commander must utilize all information available; especially combat power against combat ratios to make
  this decision. See Part Three for execution of the defense.