• The quickest way for a Commander to begin assisting a decisively engaged unit is through indirect fires. Responsive fires can provide the impetus the unit needs to break contact. Consequently, once the unit becomes decisively engaged; they must be provided priority of indirect support. The longer this takes to occur, the more difficult it will be to break contact.
• Depending on the location and proximity of flank units, a Commander may direct these units to shift their direct fires on targets forward of the decisively engaged unit. Direct fire control measures must be established to minimize the possibility of any friendly fire incidents. In a chaotic environment such as this; there must be clear communications as to locations of friendly forces.
• Again, depending on the location and proximity of flank units, a Commander may direct these units to maneuver into the area of operations of the decisively engaged unit and conduct a counterattack. This places a premium on quality command and control and situational awareness. Risky – yes! However, this may be the only timely/viable option for the Commander.
• In this situation, the Commander may decide to activate his reserve to assist the decisively engaged unit. During the planning of the delay, this should have been one of potential be-prepared missions you asked the reserve to plan for.

Plan
Three of the most important parts of planning the delay are determining the delay technique you will utilize, organizing your unit for success and establishing control measures to facilitate operations. We will address each.

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It’s in the Technique
When executing a delay, there are two basic techniques utilized. These are: delay from alternate positions and delay from subsequent positions. There are many factors influencing the delay technique a Commander chooses. These include the dimensions of the area of operations, forces available, time available, and the enemy situation. We will spend some time discussing each of the techniques and advantages and disadvantages.

Delay from Alternate Positions
If a Commander has a fairly narrow sector (but sufficient depth) and has two or more units occupying it; he will normally execute a delay from alternate positions. In basic terms (as the name suggests); units alternate movement during the execution of delay. Here is how it works:

While one unit is fighting/delaying the enemy; the other elements are maneuvering to the rear to occupy their next on-order battle positions. Once the maneuvering elements arrive at the battle position, they prepare to fight from it (with the time they have available). Based on their preparation and more importantly the situation with the forward unit; the Commander will determine when to order the forward unit to fall back. After given the order, the forward unit will either pass through or around the stationary unit to occupy another on-order battle position to the rear of this one. This then starts a repeat of the above actions. The unit will continue this process until they have traded the space for the time they needed. Below is a graphical portrayal of the actions:

Advantages of the Delay from Alternate Positions – 1) If the enemy is utilizing a dangerous avenue of approach, this technique will provide more security for the entire force. 2) If executed properly, this technique enables the force to keep constant pressure on the enemy. 3) If executed properly, this technique is less likely to set the conditions for units to become decisively engaged.

Disadvantages of the Delay from Alternate Positions – 1) Requires continuous coordination throughout the delay. 2) Requires several passages of lines which in itself is a difficult endeavor. 3) With many moving pieces, it does afford more potential to friendly fire incidents.

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