2-6. Figure 2-1 shows the taxonomy of the Army’s tactical doctrine for the four elements of decisive action and their subordinate operations or tasks. While an operation’s primary element is offense, defense, stability, or defense support of civil authorities, different units involved in that operation may be conducting different types and subordinate variations of operations. Commanders rapidly shift emphasis from one element to another to maintain tempo and keep enemy forces off balance. Maintaining tempo and flexibility through transitions contributes to successful operations.