What does the term 'consolidation of gains' refer to?

The term 'consolidation of gains' specifically refers to the process of making temporary operational successes enduring. It focuses on ensuring that the advantages achieved during an operation do not dissipate after initial success. This involves stabilizing the environment, securing accomplishments against potential adversarial counteractions, and integrating those gains into the wider strategy to ensure lasting impact.

This process often includes measures such as reinforcing security, establishing governance, implementing necessary infrastructure improvements, and fostering local support and legitimacy. By consolidating gains, forces can help prevent the return of conflict and create a stable environment for future growth and development. In essence, it is about transitioning from the immediate success of military operations into a sustainable situation that upholds that success for the long term.