ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 204 of 440
Appendix B 188 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 Avoiding decisive engagement. B-32. Commanders must understand both how long to delay and determine the time required for the enemy to maneuver through the AO. The difference between those two times determines how long the unit must create an effect on the enemy. The AO describes the space in which the delay must be accomplished. B-33. A commander may use three techniques to allocate space and time. The first is called the buffer technique. The commander must delay forward of the rear boundary until a specified time. Therefore the commander creates a line forward of the rear boundary and in turn issues instructions to subordinate units to delay forward of the new line until that same time, this way if the enemy attack is stronger than expected, the commander and subordinate commanders still have maneuver space in which to continue the delay. B-34. The second technique is called the halves technique. This approach divides the time the unit has to conduct the delay in half and applies it to the terrain. As a result, in areas of generally even terrain, a phase line may be placed in the middle of the AO and subordinate units are given equal time to delay in each portion of their AO. The better defensible terrain requires less space; therefore, the halftime phase line is positioned accordingly. B-35. The last and most effective technique for allocating space and time is a detailed analysis technique of the unit's AO. In this technique, the commander compares the tentative locations of the delaying elements to the location of the enemy throughout every stage of the battle. In chronological order, planners determine the following: Amount of time the enemy needs to travel from the point where it comes within line of sight to the trigger line. Amount of time the enemy needs to move through the EA from the trigger line to the break line. Amount of time the delaying force needs to evacuate their positions, travel to the next position, and prepare to fight. Location of the enemy if it is able to re-form and continue the attack. Repeat as necessary. B-36. The determinations above should be made for each subordinate unit's AO. By visualizing each subordinate unit's fight, the commander gains an appreciation for where each delay line should be drawn and the amount of time each subordinate unit can reasonably be expected to delay at each line. If a commander establishes a delay line, mission accomplishment outweighs preservation of the force's integrity. B-37. Obstacles are usually surface-laid minefields or other easily emplaced obstacles. Maneuver forces rely on indirect fire to help prevent decisive engagement. Air defense assets should remain mobile, yet able to engage at a moment's notice. Bounding assets allow the air defense to always have units in position that are able to keep pace with operations. Support elements should be positioned as far as possible away from the close fight without sacrificing quality of support. Because of the time required to move support assets, every precaution should be taken to streamline sustainment operations. B-38. The reserve's priorities are to block an enemy penetration, reinforce a weakened AO, assist in disengagement, and counterattacking. Generally, the reserve must avoid missions that extend far forward of the forward line of troops; it should stay focused on maintaining the cohesive nature of the delaying force. PREPARING RETROGRADE OPERATIONS B-39. When rehearsing the delay, the intelligence officer should include in the process unexpected enemy action to challenge the chain of command and stimulate thought toward contingency missions. The rehearsal not only confirms the plan but prepares the unit for other eventualities. B-40. Subordinate commanders backbrief the higher commander on their plans for their operation and how their plans fit into the overall plan. The commander checks subordinate commander's plans to maintain contact while remaining not decisively engaged. The greatest risk to the force is movement from primary to secondary positions (as well as other subsequent moves). To properly execute a delay, the delaying force must have a mobility advantage.