5-35. Military forces must quickly seize and retain the initiative when conducting stability operations by engaging civil mechanisms to prevent local conditions from destabilizing or deteriorating. Acting boldly can prevent organized resistance from developing while creating opportunities to reduce suffering, strengthen institutions, and begin the transition to civil authority. Bold initiatives during stability operations involve risk. The close proximity to civilians with immediate access to global information conduits can magnify the consequences of action, inaction, accidents, collateral damage, and casualties. Leaders must carefully balance lethal and nonlethal actions. Overcautious prevention activities or procedures can limit the freedom of action.