Main Body – Once the security force and reserve have been determined; the remaining forces will compose the main body. The composition of the main body depends on the delay technique utilized. If he uses a delay from subsequent positions, he will generally move the main body as one entity. If he executes a delay from alternate positions, he will normally split his main body into two roughly equal groups.

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Besides the above, the Commander must also ensure he organizes his combat support and combat service support to facilitate the delay. This includes the following:

• Position his internal fire support assets so they are responsive to his needs. Additionally, request external support to assist in covering the extended frontages and ranges characteristic of a delay.
• Rotary and fixed air can greatly assist in providing indirect fire support for a Commander. Obviously, these assets can’t become decisively engaged like field artillery units can.
• Engineers are vital in the delay. They must be organized so they can focus on counter-mobility and mobility tasks. These tasks will likely shift throughout the conduct of a delay.
• Logistics support in a delay is vital and extremely challenging. Ammunition expenditures can resemble those of a defense. Fuel consumption can mirror that of an offense. Consequently, combat service support elements must be dispersed throughout the formation. Any gaps in logistically support can greatly diminish your potential for achieving success in the delay.

Control Measures Facilitating Success – Since the delay is such a fluid operation, it is important analyzed control measures are developed and understood before execution. The heat of battle is not the time to develop and then try to convey control measures to subordinates. In a delay, there are several control measures critical to facilitating success in the delay. We will discuss these next.

Phase Lines – One of the most essential control measures used in a delay is the phase-line. The phase-line has many potential roles in executing a delay. It can dictate maneuver, fires, command and control and articulate the intent of the Commander. Below are some of the common uses of the phase-line.

Delay Line – is used to show subordinates the terrain where the enemy is not allowed to maneuver across during the delay until a specific date and time has passed. This date and time will be depicted under the phase-line. For example, in the above graphic the Commander does not want the enemy to cross certain terrain until after midnight 0n 12 Jan. Thus, he has developed PL PAT (delay line) with a date/time requirement of 120030 Jan.

Trigger Line – is used to show subordinates where to initiate and mass fires into an engagement area. Doctrinally, once the enemy crosses this trigger line, then friendly forces begin engaging the enemy with indirect and direct fires. Trigger lines should be located on identifiable terrain that crosses the engagement area and at a predetermined range so the preponderance of the unit’s weapon systems can fire on available targets.

Disengagement Line – is used to show subordinates when they should maneuver to their next rearward position. Once the enemy crosses this terrain, this starts friendly forces maneuvering to the rear. Again, disengagement lines should be located on identifiable terrain. Additionally, the engagement line must be positioned far enough away so friendly forces can not become decisively engaged.

Battle Handover Line – is used to show subordinate forces where on the terrain that responsibility transitions from the stationary force to the moving force and vice versa. This is important because someone must have ownership of the terrain. There can not be two tenants on a piece of ground. Someone must be in charge!

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