Basics of Defense (FM 3-90-1)

Question 1

Purpose of Defense

Answer 1

Create conditions favorable for a counteroffensive that allows Army forces to regain the initiative. Other reasons include -

1. Retain decisive terrain or denying vital area to the enemy
2. Attriting or fixing the enemy as a prelude to offensive actions
3. Surprise action by the enemy
4. Increasing the enemy’s vulnerability by forcing the enemy to concentrate subordinate forces.

Question 2

3 Defensive Tasks

Answer 2

1. Area Defense
2. Mobile Defense
3. Retrograde

Question 3

7 Characteristics of Defense

Answer 3

1. Disruption
2. Flexibility
3. Maneuver
4. Massing effects
5. Operations in Depth
6. Preparation
7. Security

Question 4

Forms of Defense

Answer 4

1. Defense of a linear obstacle
2. Perimeter defense
3. Reverse slope defense

Question 5

Defense technique

Answer 5

1) defend a BP
2) defend a strong point
3) defend a perimeter
4) defend a sector