Indirect Fires – The effective use of indirect fires is critical during execution. Throughout the delay, indirect fires must be utilized to physically and psychologically slow the tempo of the enemy’s maneuver. Indirect fires can plant the seed in the enemy’s mind that they are preparing to face a well-prepared defense. Indirect fires are a major contributor in trading space for time.

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Defensive Preparation – Throughout the delay, elements will occupy defensive positions for various periods of time. These elements must ensure they utilize every minute available preparing their positions and conducting priorities of work.

Logistics – The key to logistically supporting the execution of a delay is flexibility. Hopefully, during the preparation phase you have been proactive in placing ammunition/fuel/supplies in caches in places they are needed. However, this is not the extent of logistical support in the delay. Maneuver and Logistical Commanders must be thinking ahead during the delay as to logistical needs. If this happens, support during the delay can be proactive not reactive. Proactive logistics will be a huge benefit during the delay.

Decisive Engagement – We have discussed this subject several times in this article. A Commander must execute the delay striving to not allow any of his elements to become decisively engaged. On the flipside, he must always have contingencies in place, if this does indeed occur. With this in mind, we will highlight next what things a Commander should be thinking during the conduct of a delay.

Commander’s Thoughts – There are few missions that mentally challenge a Commander as much as during the execution of a delay. Decisions must be made quickly. A Commander who can not make timely decisions or unfortunately can not make decisions at all will obviously not succeed in the delay. The Commander must continually assess the current situation and how it relates to his future decisions. In order to assist him in this process, there are some questions the he should be continually asking himself and his staff during delay execution. Below are some recommendations:

• What is the strength, composition, location and intention of the enemy attacking force?
• Are elements of the unit threatened with decisive engagement or bypass? If so, what are my viable options and how long will they take to execute?
• What is situation on my flanks? Does this affect my ability to accomplish my purpose and task?
• What is the status of my forces in terms of personnel, equipment, supplies, and just as importantly, morale?
• What other assets can I request from my higher headquarters if needed? What is the lead time?
• Are my fires (indirect and direct) being effective? If not, how do I improve their performance?
• Are my indirect fire assets positioned to support my maneuver? If not, how much time is required to get them in position?
• Are my current obstacles effective? What is the status of any obstacles I am emplacing in subsequent positions? Do I see the potential need for scatterable minefields (emplaced by artillery or air) to support the delay?
• How strong are my current positions in comparison to future positions I have planned for my forces to occupy?
• Has the enemy done anything to the routes I have developed for my units to displace on?
• What can I do to trade space for time?
• What mission do I anticipate my unit being assigned next?

TERMINATION
A delay operation will not last forever. At some point, it will eventually transition into something else for the unit. If things are not going well, this usually amounts to becoming decisively engaged and thus, heavily involved in fighting the attacking enemy. However, in the ideal world (not that one exists) the delay should result in the unit conducting the following:

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