2-29. Stability sectors—similar in purpose and application to lines of effort—help to focus and unify reconstruction and stabilization efforts within specific functional areas of society. (Chapter 4 discusses the use of lines of effort in stability operations.) These sectors define and encompass integrated task areas across a broad spectrum of interagency engagement, including the DOD. The essential stability task matrix addresses many requirements necessary to support host nations transitioning from armed conflict or civil strife. The matrix serves as a means to leverage functional knowledge and systemic thinking into planning, preparation, execution, and assessment. The essential stability task matrix ensures that—