1-39. A stability operation is an operation conducted outside of the United States in coordination with other instruments of national power to establish or maintain a secure environment, provide essential government services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief (ADP 3-0). These operations support governance by a host nation, an interim government, or a military government. Stability involves coercive and constructive actions. Stability assists in building relationships among unified action partners and promoting U.S. security interests. It can help establish political, legal, social, and economic institutions in an area while supporting transition of responsibility to a legitimate authority. Commanders are legally required to conduct minimal-essential stability tasks when controlling populated AOs. These tasks include providing security, food, water, shelter, and medical treatment.