FM 100-5 Operations - Survival Ebooks Military Manuals Survival ...

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMFM 100-5considerations. They use available time effectively toprovide subordinates with time to plan and preparetheir own operations. The duration of the delay determinesthe tactics they use and the risks they must accept.Deploying, Dispersing, andEmploying ForcesIn conducting a delay, commanders deploy theirmaneuver forces forward and disperse their CS andCSS units farther to the rear to reduce their vulnerability.Artillery fire control, generally centralized inthe defense, should be in position to support all delayingunits. When feasible, commanders designate maneuverreserves and use them to disengage committedunits and retard the enemy’s advance by blocking orcounterattacking his vulnerable forces.Organizing and Conducting the DelayDelays can involve echelons up to entire corps ordivisions. Corps may conduct delays as part of anoperational withdrawal. Divisions may conduct delaysas part of a corps defense or in accomplishingtheir missions as a corps advance, flank, or rear guard.If the delay is of short duration, units may fight for asingle set of positions or delay using alternate or successivepositions.Normally, unit commanders organize their delaysin parallel sectors of considerable depth, using everreformingcombinations of friendly combat power. Thecorrect combination of attack, defense, and delay fromalternate or successive positions is essential to suchoperations. Considerations that affect those choices arenormally METT-T. The aim is to prevent enemy momentum,inflict maximum destruction, and preservefriendly unit integrity while thinking of subsequentoperations to maintain the initiative. For instance, acommander delays initially from alternate positionsalong his most dangerous approach, while delayingfrom successive positions in less threatened areas. Simultaneously,commanders establish defensive positionsin depth in particularly critical areas to impedethe enemy. During the delay, commanders may shiftfrom one technique to another as the operation developsand the posture of the enemy force changes.By contesting the enemy’s retention of the initiative,the delaying force avoids a passive pattern thatfavors the attacker. Commanders seize the initiativewhenever possible. Assaulting an advancing enemythrows him off balance, disorganizes his forces, prolongsthe delay, and deceives him as to the intentionsof the delaying force. However, delaying commanderstry to avoid decisive engagement. Commandersmust frequently pass units through each other forward,rear, or laterally in order to keep units fresh, throw theenemy off balance, and preserve the integrity of theforce.Commanders plan and prepare positions in depthto interrupt enemy movement. Orderly repositioningof the delaying force depends on preparation of friendlypositions in depth. While engineer efforts center oncountermobility throughout the delay, they also improvethe delaying force’s mobility and construct protectedpositions. Throughout the delay, engineer effortsremain flexible and orient on the enemy force.At all levels, commanders integrate natural obstaclesinto their delay plans and cover them with directand indirect fires. The efficient use of combatpower throughout the depth and duration of the delayis crucial since delays often accompany economy-offorceoperations. Due to the fluid nature of the delay,the fastest means of massing fires on the enemy areindirect artillery and aerially delivered mines. Indirectmortar and artillery fires protect defensive positions,cover obstacles, and provide maneuver forceswith obscurants and illumination. See Figures 11-1 and11-2.Ending the DelayThe delay ends when enemy forces halt their attackor when the delaying force completes its missionand passes through another force. If attrition or lackof logistical support halts the enemy force, the delayingforce commander can either maintain contact, withdrawfor another mission, or use the opportunity tostrike a counterblow and regain the initiative. A counterblowlarger than a limited counterattack usually requiressupport from the higher commander, perhapsincluding commitment of his reserve. For example, ifthe division commander perceives that the enemy hasreached a culminating point during a division-leveldelay, the time may be right to commit the reserve orask for the corps reserve. Taking advantage of suchopportunities requires a clear understanding of the intentof the next two higher commanders.WITHDRAWALSCommanders conduct withdrawals to extract subordinateunits from combat, adjust defensive positions,or relocate the entire force. Whether it is a local orgeneral withdrawal, forces voluntarily disengage fromthe enemy and move rearward. Normally, withdrawalsare free from enemy pressure11-3