These include such actions as developing plans and disseminating orders, positioning forces and supplies, setting up protective measures, scouting and other intelligence gathering, and mentally preparing troops. In cases where neither side has time to prepare, combat begins with the active phase. The end of combat is marked by the cessation of interaction by both sides especially the use of violent means and the immediate repositioning and reconstitution of forces in accordance with the situation. One side may have gotten its dose of fighting and be on the run, but combat does not end until its opponent has ceased to pursue. It is clear from this discussion that establishing the boundary as to precisely when any particular combat starts and when it ends is to some extent a matter of choice.
Military combat is normally episodic.
From the beginning of the active phase until its end there will usually be periods of intense fighting separated by periods of lower activity during which forces regroup to engage in the next confrontation. Insofar as the reduced activity is merely a pause in the on-going action to achieve a mission, it does not constitute a termination of combat within our definition. No firm boundary can be established as to the magnitude of forces, the geographical area, or the time duration that is encompassed within the definition of combat. Contiguity of mission is the governing factor more than size or duration. All the forces of each side that are engaged in fulfilling the mission of their side are the forces participating in the combat, whether or not they actually shoot or are in harm s way.