8-29. Commanders should plan for consolidation areas early in the planning process and assign forces to the consolidation areas as soon as possible in order to allow combat forces to extend operations in the close and deep areas. A key component of this is requesting critical authorities to ensure effective application of such things as rules of engagement, direct liaison, cyberspace missions, and information operations. By smoothly transitioning consolidation areas to follow-on forces as close areas are secured, the commander enables combat forces in deep operations to maintain the initiative and maneuver without loss of momentum.