Afghanistan: Sealing the deal in the "build" phase?

[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.

I suspect that one would only wish to "hold" for as long as necessary in order to get on with "build." Or, put another way, "hold" for as little time as possible. And, just to be clear, I am asking strictly in the context of a tactical unit. I suspect their timeline has much more to do with their higher headquarters than with the big picture strategery.