A phase in combat is usually a period within a military operation of a longer duration that is a part of a serial chain of logically connected activities planned to culminate in a defined objective or goal.
A phase is usually marked by achievement of significant intermediary objectives, such as tactical within an engagement.
At the strategic level, a phase continue for years.
Not all phases of combat include fighting between armed forces.
Phases typically found in offensive military operations are: Preparation Conduct Exploitation Stability