1-1. The protection warfighting function is the related tasks and systems that preserve the force so the commander can apply maximum combat power to accomplish the mission (ADP 3-0). Preserving the force includes protecting personnel (combatants and noncombatants) and physical assets of the United States, unified action partners, and host nations. Protection is not a linear activity—planning, preparing, executing, and assessing protection is a continuous and enduring activity. Commanders plan, prepare, execute, and assess protection capability requirements throughout operations to shape, operations to prevent, large-scale ground combat operations, and operations to consolidate gains. Protection efforts must consider and account for threats and hazards in all directions, at all times, and in all environments. The protection warfighting function enables the commander to maintain the force’s integrity and combat power.