8-28. Divisions and corps assign subordinate units responsibility for consolidation areas to preserve the tempo of operations. Commanders assign consolidation areas to units in a follow and support role to avoid pulling combat power from the close and deep areas. Units assigned a consolidation area require the capability to conduct decisive action, which includes offensive, defensive, and stability tasks, to defeat enemy remnants or bypassed forces and preserve freedom of action for their higher headquarters. The consolidation area generally reduces the size of the support area and improves its security, allowing units in the support area to focus primarily on functional tasks and the local security of base clusters and routes.