Sectors/Boundaries – As related to the above, someone must have responsibility of terrain and thus, control the fire and maneuver in the area. Sectors and boundaries do this graphically. The key is that units understand where these are on the ground.

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Battle Positions – A delay has many of the characteristics of a defense. Consequently, units will occupy initial battle positions before the delay starts in earnest. As the delay begins, they will them maneuver back to on-order battle positions. During planning, these battle positions should be defined and placed on graphics. As a sidelight, these battle positions (especially the on-order positions) will not be prepared to the extent of normal battle positions because of time constraints. However, every minute that a unit is occupying a battle position should be utilized to accomplish an established priority of work.

Engagement Areas – Tied to the development of battle positions is the necessity to establish engagement areas. In conjunction with the placement of battle positions should be the establishment of engagement areas. As we have discussed in prior articles, a battle position without an analyzed engagement area does not set the conditions for success in the defense.

Target Reference Points (TRPs) – Timely and accurate fires (indirect and direct) are crucial in trading space for time in the delay. Pre-planned TRPs depicted on graphics assist in making this happen. These TRPs should be easily recognizable on the ground and can be either of the natural or manmade variety. Units will utilize the TRPs (normally positioned inside the engagement area) to initiate, distribute, and control fires during the delay.

Passage of Lines Control Measures – As we discussed earlier, there will normally be several passage of lines conducted by units in a delay. To make this as smooth as possible (in a very chaotic environment), a Commander must establish control measures to assist in this difficult event. These include the following:

Contact Point – Before the actual passage of lines, the involved units should physically meet to work out last minute details. A pre-established contact point on the graphics shows where this meeting will take place.

Passage Points – The commander should graphically depict where on the ground the passing unit will pass through the stationary unit. This control measure is the passage point.

Routes – Pre-established routes for the moving unit to pass through the stationary unit’s positions are critical. This is especially true since the stationary unit may have emplaced obstacles within their area of operations. These established routes will take away some of the inevitable confusion and keep the momentum of the operation continuing.

Additionally, contact points and coordination should be established on the flanks of the adjacent units. These will assist in units discussing the potential gaps the enemy may exploit in between units.

Prep
Preparation time in a delay is typically very minimal. Consequently, every available minute must be utilized to its’ fullest. Below are some key actions that should be executed during the preparation phase of a delay.

• Reconnaissance of future routes and battle positions is critical. This removes some uncertainty. Occupying a battle position ‘cold’ does not assist in setting the conditions for success.
• Related to removing uncertainty is conducting rehearsals at all levels. Because preparation time is at a premium, a unit may not be able to conduct a full-up rehearsal. However, this does not mean a quality rehearsal can not be conducted. A well-orchestrated radio rehearsal (utilizing the technological visualization tools available) can reap benefits. Some of the key events or subjects you will want to rehearse and confirm are:
  • Direct and indirect fire plans throughout the delay.
  • The synchronization and timing of critical maneuvers during the delay. These include discussing disengagement criteria, the initiation of battle handover lines, and passage of lines details.
  • Be-prepared purposes/tasks of the reserve.
  • Execution of any situational obstacles you plan to utilize.
  • Movement times, routes, and positioning of all CS and CSS assets.
• Reconnaissance and rehearsals by the reserve are key. The reserve is critical to the success of a delay. The Commander of the reserve must recon potential routes he may utilize as time permits. Again, as time permits he should rehearse his potential missions. In both cases, he should receive guidance from his higher Commander as to the priority of these be-prepared missions.
• Pre-Combat Inspections (PCIs) are a must in any mission. A delay is no different! Units must make sure they have the right ‘stuff’!
• During preparation time, do as much coordination between adjacent units as possible. Units must understand each other’s plans as much as possible. It could be critical during execution.
• A delay can consume high amounts of ammunition. During preparation time, caches of ammunition should be placed in key areas to resupply vehicles/units. It is recommended these caches be placed on vehicles to assist in mobility. A stock of ammunition placed on the ground, could very well become your opponent’s during the delay.
• Related to the above, is the necessity to preposition fuel along the delay routes. A delay can consume large quantities of fuel. Vehicles (especially tanks) burn massive quantities simply idling. Do the science (number crunching) and place fuel trucks where anticipated.
• Finally, preparation time is a window for leaders to circulate the battlefield. As we mentioned earlier, there is much apprehension within a unit regarding conducting a retrograde operation. Leaders must strive to cut the edge off some of this anxiety.

EXECUTION
The only sure thing to say about the execution of a delay is that it will never go as expected. However, there are several actions during the execution of the delay that if taken, can greatly assist you in accomplishing this most difficult of missions. Let’s highlight these actions.

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