8-35. Normally, most of a unit’s efforts are focused on the performance of area security tasks at the onset of operations to consolidate gains. Area security includes activities to protect friendly forces, installations, and routes within a specific area. The protected forces and installations may be the civilian population, civil institutions, and civilian infrastructure. The weight of effort will shift toward the performance of stability tasks as operations progress. Ultimately, a military commander will transfer control of the area to a legitimate civilian authority. +Therefore, when considering force structure, commanders should consider the progression of capabilities required over time as area security and minimal-essential stability objectives are met within the consolidation area.