ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 199 of 440
Defensive Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 183 AREA DEFENSE B-8. An area defense capitalizes on the strength inherent in a closely integrated defensive organization on the ground. The conduct of an area defense facilitates consolidating and reconstituting forces to allow focus on another element of decisive action, such as stability. The commander may assign subordinate units the task of conducting an area defense as part of their mission. Subordinate echelons defend within their area of operations (AOs) as part of the larger echelon's operation. B-9. Area defense focuses on retaining terrain where the bulk of the defending force positions itself in mutually supportive, prepared positions. Units maintain their positions and control terrain between these positions. The decisive operation (DO) focuses on fires into EAs, possibly supplemented by a counterattack. The commander can use the reserve to reinforce fires, add depth, block, restore a position by counterattack, seize the initiative, or destroy enemy forces. Units at all echelons can conduct an area defense. PLANNING AN AREA DEFENSE B-10. An area defense requires detailed planning and extensive coordination. In the defense, synchronizing and integrating the unit's combat and supporting capabilities enables a commander to apply overwhelming combat power against selected advancing enemy forces. A successful defense depends on knowing and understanding the enemy and its capabilities. In planning an area defense, the commander may choose between two forms of defensive maneuver— defense in-depth or forward defense. B-11. A defense in-depth reduces the risk of a quick penetration by the attacking enemy force. Even if initially successful, the enemy has to continue to attack through the depth of the defense to achieve a penetration. The defense in-depth provides more space and time to defeat the enemy attack. Dependent on the mission variables of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC), defense in-depth may require forces with at least the same mobility as the enemy to maneuver to alternate, supplementary, and subsequent positions. The mobility of the enemy force can determine the disengagement criteria of the defending forces as they seek to maintain depth. The commander considers using a defense in-depth when— The mission allows the unit to fight throughout the depth of the AO. The terrain does not favor a forward defense and better defensible terrain occurs deeper in the AO. Sufficient depth is available in the AO. Cover and concealment forward in the AO is limited. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons may be used. The terrain is restrictive and limits the enemy's maneuver and size of attack. B-12. A forward defense is used to prevent enemy penetration of the defense. A forward defense is the least preferred form of the area defense due to its lack of depth. A unit commander deploys the majority of the combat power into defensive positions near the forward edge of the battle area. A commander fights to retain the forward position and may conduct spoiling attacks or counterattacks against enemy penetrations, or they may destroy enemy forces in forward EAs. Often, counterattacks are planned forward of the forward edge of the battle area to defeat the enemy. Commanders may use reconnaissance and security forces to find the enemy in vulnerable situations. Commanders can then exploit these opportunities with a spoiling attack that weakens the enemy’s main attacking force and disrupts enemy operations. B-13. The unit commander uses a forward defense when a higher commander directs the unit commander to retain forward terrain for political, military, economic, and other reasons. A unit commander considers using a forward defense when— Terrain forward in the AO favors the defense. Strong, existing, natural or manmade obstacles, such as a river or a canal, are located forward in the AO. AO lacks depth due to the location of the protected area. Natural EAs occur near the forward edge of the battle area.