3-51. In executing stability operations, military forces focus on people. They strive to gain the cooperation and support of the populace. Stability operations that improve their safety, security, and livelihood help to shape perceptions that supporting objectives of an operation is in the people’s best interest. Shaping perceptions that an operation is legitimate using information operations increases support for that operation. Performing these tasks can further the populace’s and the international community’s understanding of the commander’s objectives: