1-15. Army operations to shape bring together all of the activities intended to promote regional stability and to set conditions for a favorable outcome of a military confrontation. Army operations to shape help dissuade adversary activities designed to achieve regional goals. Shaping activities include security cooperation and forward presence to promote U.S. interests, develop allied and friendly military capabilities for self-defense and multinational operations, and provide U.S. forces with peacetime and contingency access to a host nation. Regionally aligned and engaged Army forces are essential to achieving objectives to strengthen the global network of multinational partners and prevent conflict.