Defensive operations are characterized by a wide array of tasks that must be executed to ensure mission success. These tasks vary depending on the specific type of defensive operation being conducted, but there are three basic tasks that are common to all defensive operations:
Key Facts
- Area Defense: The area defense focuses on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright. It involves retaining terrain and positioning the defending force in mutually supporting, prepared positions. The decisive operation in an area defense is centered around fires into engagement areas (EAs), possibly supplemented by a counterattack. Units at all echelons can conduct an area defense.
- Mobile Defense: The mobile defense aims to defeat or destroy the enemy through a decisive counterattack by a striking force. It involves allowing the enemy to advance to a point where they are exposed to a counterattack by the striking force. The decisive operation in a mobile defense is the counterattack conducted by the striking force, which constitutes the bulk of available combat power. A fixing force supplements the striking force by holding attacking enemy forces in position and channeling them into ambush areas. Divisions and larger formations typically execute mobile defenses.
- Retrograde: The retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy. It can be forced by the enemy or executed voluntarily by a commander. The retrograde is part of a larger scheme of maneuver designed to regain the initiative and defeat the enemy. It is not conducted in isolation and requires approval from the higher commander. The retrograde is a transitional operation.
- Preventing or delaying the enemy’s advance: This is the primary goal of any defensive operation. It can be accomplished through a variety of means, such as establishing obstacles, conducting ambushes, and engaging the enemy with direct and indirect fire.
- Protecting friendly forces and assets: This involves taking measures to minimize the risk of casualties and damage to equipment and infrastructure. This can be accomplished through a variety of means, such as constructing fortifications, employing camouflage and concealment, and maintaining a high level of readiness.
- Maintaining freedom of action: This involves preserving the ability to maneuver and respond to enemy actions. This can be accomplished through a variety of means, such as maintaining a mobile reserve, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance, and maintaining a flexible command and control system.
Types of Defensive Operations
There are three main types of defensive operations:
- Area Defense: The area defense focuses on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright. It involves retaining terrain and positioning the defending force in mutually supporting, prepared positions. The decisive operation in an area defense is centered around fires into engagement areas (EAs), possibly supplemented by a counterattack. Units at all echelons can conduct an area defense.
- Mobile Defense: The mobile defense aims to defeat or destroy the enemy through a decisive counterattack by a striking force. It involves allowing the enemy to advance to a point where they are exposed to a counterattack by the striking force. The decisive operation in a mobile defense is the counterattack conducted by the striking force, which constitutes the bulk of available combat power. A fixing force supplements the striking force by holding attacking enemy forces in position and channeling them into ambush areas. Divisions and larger formations typically execute mobile defenses.
- Retrograde: The retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy. It can be forced by the enemy or executed voluntarily by a commander. The retrograde is part of a larger scheme of maneuver designed to regain the initiative and defeat the enemy. It is not conducted in isolation and requires approval from the higher commander. The retrograde is a transitional operation.
Conclusion
Defensive operations are a critical component of any military campaign. They can be used to protect friendly forces and assets, prevent or delay the enemy’s advance, and maintain freedom of action. The three basic tasks of a defensive operation are preventing or delaying the enemy’s advance, protecting friendly forces and assets, and maintaining freedom of action. There are three main types of defensive operations: area defense, mobile defense, and retrograde. The type of defensive operation that is conducted will depend on the specific situation and the commander’s intent.
FAQs
What are the three basic defensive tasks?
The three basic defensive tasks are preventing or delaying the enemy’s advance, protecting friendly forces and assets, and maintaining freedom of action.
What is the purpose of a defensive operation?
The purpose of a defensive operation is to protect friendly forces and assets, prevent or delay the enemy’s advance, and maintain freedom of action.
What are the different types of defensive operations?
The three main types of defensive operations are area defense, mobile defense, and retrograde.
What is an area defense?
An area defense is a defensive operation that focuses on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain for a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright.
What is a mobile defense?
A mobile defense is a defensive operation that aims to defeat or destroy the enemy through a decisive counterattack by a striking force.
What is a retrograde?
A retrograde is a defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy.
What factors determine the type of defensive operation that is conducted?
The type of defensive operation that is conducted will depend on the specific situation and the commander’s intent.
What are some common defensive tasks that units may be assigned?
Common defensive tasks that units may be assigned include establishing obstacles, conducting ambushes, engaging the enemy with direct and indirect fire, constructing fortifications, employing camouflage and concealment, maintaining a high level of readiness, maintaining a mobile reserve, conducting reconnaissance and surveillance, and maintaining a flexible command and control system.