ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Appendix B 186 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 Follow through. A transitional opportunity generally results from the success of the striking force's attack and attempts to establish conditions for a pursuit or future offensive operations. RETROGRADE B-21. Three forms of retrograde operations exist: Delay. When a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy's momentum and inflicting maximum damage on enemy forces without becoming decisively engaged (ADP 3-90). Withdraw. To disengage from an enemy force and move in a direction away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). Retirement. When a force out of contact moves away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). Retirement is not discussed in this publication (see FM 3-90-1 for additional information). B-22. The commander executes retrogrades to: Disengage from operations. Gain time without fighting a decisive engagement. Resist, exhaust, and damage an enemy in situations that do not favor a defense. Draw the enemy into an unfavorable situation or extend the enemy's lines of communications. Preserve the force or avoid combat under undesirable conditions, such as continuing an operation that no longer promises success. Reposition forces to more favorable locations or to conform to movements of other friendly troops. Position the force for use elsewhere in other missions. Simplify sustainment of the force by shortening lines of communications. Position the force where it can safely conduct reconstitution. Adjust the defensive scheme to secure more favorable terrain. Deceive the enemy. DELAY B-23. In delays, units yield ground to gain time while retaining flexibility and freedom of action to inflict the maximum damage on an enemy force. The delay is one of the most demanding of all ground combat operations. A delay wears down the enemy so that friendly forces can regain the initiative through offensive action, buy time to establish an effective defense, or determine enemy intentions as part of a security operation. Normally in a delay, inflicting casualties on the enemy is secondary to gaining time. B-24. The ability of a force to trade space for time requires depth within the AO assigned to the delaying force. The depth required depends on several factors, including— Time to be gained. Relative combat power of friendly and enemy forces. Relative mobility of forces. Nature of the terrain. Ability to shape the AO with obstacles and fires. Degree of acceptable risk. B-25. Ordinarily, the greater the available depth, the lower the risk involved to the delaying force and the greater the chance of success. A commander must provide the following guidance for a delay mission: Whether to delay within the AO or delay forward of a specified line or terrain feature for a specified time. Acceptable risk. Whether the delaying force may use the entire AO or will delay from specific battle positions. Whether the delaying force will use alternate or subsequent positions.