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Previous: 3-68: Main Battle Area

3-69. Usually as part of a larger force, the Infantry platoon conducts the defense
performing several integrated and overlapping activities.

3-70. As in the offense, this section divides execution into five steps for discussion purposes. These steps are—

• Gain and maintain enemy contact.
• Disrupt the enemy.
• Fix the enemy.
• Maneuver.
• Follow through/counterattack.

3-71. These steps may not occur sequentially; they may occur simultaneously. The first three steps are usually shaping operations and depending on the circumstances, either of the last two steps may be the decisive operation. (Refer to FM 3-90-1 for more information.)

Next: 3-72: Gain and Maintain Enemy Contact

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad