3-26. Army forces conduct a combination of offensive, defensive, and stability operations appropriate for their areas of operations. During combat, units consolidate gains in their areas of operations once large-scale ground combat has concluded in their area. Their initial focus is the defeat of all remaining enemy forces in detail and controlling all that could constitute a means for further resistance. This may require offensive action to defeat bypassed enemy units and secure enemy personnel, bases, equipment, and ammunition. It also requires an accurate understanding of enemy orders of battle and the capabilities that must be accounted for. As units establish area security, the balance of tasks should shift more heavily towards stability tasks focused on the control of populations and key nodes.