1-70. A consolidation area is the portion of the land commander’s area of operations that may be designated to facilitate freedom of action, consolidate gains through decisive action, and set conditions to transition the area of operations to follow on forces or other legitimate authorities (ADP 3-0). In the consolidation area, special operations are integral to assisting the transition of civil activities, supporting host-nation sovereignty, and setting conditions to prevent further conflict and stabilize the security environment. Drawing on their ability to work closely with foreign security forces, Army special operations forces may prove uniquely suited to identifying and neutralizing bypassed enemy forces attempting to organize continued or new resistance to joint operations. To consolidate gains and stabilize the environment, additional Army special operations forces may be introduced to the joint operations area. Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations forces may augment existing conventional forces or work directly with other legitimate authorities to consolidate gains. These forces are specially trained, equipped, and organized to support and conduct stability activities, Civil Affairs operations, and civil-military operations, as well as to influence populations. Not only do these activities contribute to stabilization, but by influencing local populations, remaining enemy forces, and supporting other relevant actors, Army special operations forces ensure minimal interference with continued friendly operations and enable freedom of action in the close area. Like operations elsewhere, Army special operations forces must continue to coordinate their efforts with the commander assigned responsibility for the consolidation area. This coordination facilitates unity of effort by keeping everyone informed of the joint forces’ efforts.