4-35. An operational approach conceptualizes the commander’s visualization for establishing the conditions that define a desired end state. Commanders who conduct operations among a population accept military interaction with the local population as part of the mission. In those operations, the most effective operational approach achieves decisive results through combinations of stability and defeat mechanisms. While the stability mechanisms leverage the constructive capabilities inherent to combat power, the defeat mechanisms allow commanders to focus the coercive capabilities of U.S. forces to provide security, public order, and safety for the local population.