Defense

Question 1

3 Types of Defensive Operations

Answer 1

Area Defense
Mobile Defense
Retrograde

Question 2

Characteristics of Defense (PSD MMFO)

Answer 2

• Preparation
• Security
• Disruption
• Mass and Concentration
• Maneuver
• Flexibility
• Operations in Depth

Question 3

7 Defensive Techniques

Answer 3

• Defend in sector
• Defend from a BP
• Defend a strongpoint
• Defend a perimeter
• Defend in a linear defense
• Defend in a nonlinear defense
• Defend on a reverse slope

Question 3

Types of Battle Positions

Answer 3

1. Primary
2. Alternate
3. Supplementary
4. Subsequent
5. Strongpoint

Question 4

Define Area Defense

Answer 4

Area Defense – defense concentrates on denying enemy forces access to designated terrain rather than destroying
the enemy outright. Defense retains the terrain by positioning the bulk of its defending force there in mutually
supporting prepared positions.

Question 5

Define Mobile Defense

Answer 5

Mobile Defense – defense concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy by allowing the enemy to
advance to a point where he is exposed to a decisive counter-attack by a striking force made up of the bulk of the
defending combat power

Question 6

Define Retrograde

Answer 6

Defense that involves organized maneuver away from the enemy to trade space for time for other forces to decisively defeat the enemy attack. Retrogrades do not become decisively engaged by the enemy.

Question 7

Forms of Retrograde

Answer 7

• Delay
• Withdrawal
• Retirement

Question 8

Sequence of the Defense

Answer 8

Reconnaissance and security operations and enemy preparatory fires
Occupation
Approach of the enemy main attack
Enemy assault
Counterattack
Consolidation of reorganization

Question 8

Define Primary Battle Position

Answer 8

Covers the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach into the AO

Question 8

Define Alternate Battle Position

Answer 8

Same sector as primary. Used when primary position is untenable or unsuitable.

Question 8

Define Supplementary Battle Position

Answer 8

Covers an enemy avenue of approach that is not expected to be the enemy’s primary attack.

Question 9

Define Subsequent Battle Position

Answer 9

A position that a unit expects to move to during the battle. May have its own associated
alternate, supplementary BPs.

Question 10

Define a Strongpoint

Answer 10

A heavily fortified battle position tied to a natural or reinforcing obstacle to create an anchor for the defense or to deny the enemy decisive or key terrain. The commander prepares a strong point for all-around defense or when he believes that enemy action will isolate the defending force. ESSAYONS

Question 11

Define Delay

Answer 11

This operation allows the unit to trade space for time, avoiding decisive engagement and safeguarding its elements.

Question 12

Define Withdrawal

Answer 12

The commander uses this operation to break enemy contact, especially when he needs to free the unit for a new mission.

Question 13

Define Retirement

Answer 13

This operation is employed to move a force that is not in contact to the rear

Question 14

Defend in Sector

Answer 14

No mutual support between defending elements. Positions are arranged in depth and are oriented on the enemy COA, not on terrain.

Question 15

Defend from a BP

Answer 15

defeat attacking enemy by confronting him with effective fires from mutually supporting BPs as he tries to maneuver around them.

Question 16

Defend from a Strongpoint

Answer 16

Infantry augmented with engineer support, more weapons, and sustainment resources create a structurally reinforced strongpoint and defend until the commander directing the defense formally
orders the unit out of it.

Question 17

Defend a perimeter

Answer 17

Similar to a strongpoint, but deployed to allow the defending force to orient in all directions.

Question 18

Defend in a linear defense

Answer 18

Allows interlocking and overlapping observation and fields of fire across the company’s front. Often used to defend linear terrain or obstacles against infantry, it is dangerous when the enemy is more mobile. Relies on BPs, recon, counter-recon, and obstacles.

Question 19

Defend in a nonlinear defense

Answer 19

Used when operating against an enemy force that has equal or greater firepower and mobility capabilities. This type of defense is almost exclusively enemy-oriented and is not well suited for retaining terrain because it involves very little static positioning.

Question 20

Defend on a reverse slop

Answer 20

Defend terrain from positions that are masked from enemy direct fire and ground
observation by the crest of a hill. Although some units and weapons might be positioned on the forward slope or crest, most forces are on the reverse slope. The key to this defense is control of the crest by direct fire.