from Dayuhan
Don't you have to clear before you can shape?
Explanation earlier today by MikeF, Importance of Shape - a noted mover and shaper :

from MikeF
SHAPING THE ENVIRONMENT
1. Prepare a General Area Survey (HTTs, past opsums, past intsums, past data, current physical and human terrain).
2. Talk to the stakeholders past, present, and future.
3. Develop a Hypothesis on the problem definition.
4. Conduct Reconnaissance and Surveillance to test hypothesis.
5. Based on the collection of evidence (R&S), define your environment.
6. Develop your plan.
7. Conduct influence operations (propaganda, deception, and disruption operations) to set the conditions for clearance.
So, shape, clear & hold.

------------------------------
? to Schmedlap - How long do you "hold" ?

The timespan would seem to be a variable depending on whether you are an indigenous "holder" or a transient foreign occupier who is on a short timeline determined by its own politics.

Regards

Mike