Even though your maneuver assets may be limited, you must stand-up a reserve. A commander must have an asset he can utilize to personally influence the fight. As we discussed before, you should use your reserve to reinforce success or to deny your enemy success.
Potential missions for the reserve in the defense are: 1) Stop an enemy penetration of your main defensive area 2) Provide your counterattack force the boost it needs if its’ attack becomes bogged down 3) Provide the initiative to transition to the offense if the window of opportunity presents itself.
Make sure you position your reserve where he can maneuver to the locations you may utilize him in a timely manner. Additionally, the reserve must rehearse these potential missions.
With that in mind, the Commander must know how long it will take the reserve to maneuver to the locations where he will potentially use them. In regards to time, know how long it will take at night, during the day, limited visibility, buttoned up etc….
A Commander will probably make 3-4 key decisions during the actual conduct of the defense (he better make some decisions!). These can include:
Utilization of the reserve
Initiation of a striking force (if you are employing a mobile defense)
Adjustment to defensive plan
The initiation of any coordinated deep attacks
Execution of emplacing a scatterable minefield
And, unfortunately, initiating retrograde if the tactical situation presents itself
Do not tip your hand too quickly on the defense. Try not to occupy your final defensive positions until the last feasible time. Good units will occupy hide positions and then move into their main defensive positions during limited visibility.
Rehearse the plan. A good defensive rehearsal should include:
The counter-recon fight
The passage of lines of your recon elements as they fall back
Any deep attack
The main battle area engagement (Discuss the what-ifs-good and bad)
The use of the reserve
The logistics plan to support the operation throughout
Utilize dismounted infantry to shape the battle field. They can make it extremely painful for your enemy to enter certain terrain (chokepoints, valleys, etc…). This in turn forces them to maneuver into ground they do not want to go into.
Do not allow the enemy to come into your main defensive area unscathed physically and mentally. You must ensure you provide him events that disrupt his decision cycle. This will lead to disruption in his tempo and afford you the opportunities to defeat him.
Remember the old adage. “If you defend everywhere; you defend nowhere.” The defense is all about massing effects and combat power. “Penny pocket” mentality in the defense leads to a quick thrashing.
Your aviation assets can be a tremendous asset in the defense. However, do not place your entire plan on their success. Poor weather can seriously alter the timeline of rotary wing air. They may not be there when you need them.
You must have flexibility in your plan. We all know our opponent is not going to do exactly what we anticipate. As he maneuvers into your engagement area start taking away his options. This is done through indirect fire, obstacles, and some well-placed direct fire. Get him to mentally prescribe to the plan you want him to execute.
Never stop preparing your defense. Make use of every single minute. If you anticipate the enemy to attack at a certain time and it does not happen – KEEP DIGGING!
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