2-46. Area security is a security task conducted to protect friendly forces, installations, routes, and actions within a specific area (ADP 3-90). Area security may be the predominant method of protecting the support areas and consolidation areas that are necessary to facilitate the positioning, employment, and protection of resources required to sustain, enable, and control forces. When designated, a consolidation area refers to an AO assigned to an organization that extends from its higher headquarters boundary to the boundary of forces in close operations. It requires a purposefully task-organized, combined-arms unit to conduct area security and stability tasks and to employ and clear fires. (See FM 3-0 for additional information on consolidation areas.)