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Previous: 3-76: Fix the Enemy

3-79. During the defense, the decisive operation occurs in the main battle area. This is where the effects of shaping operations, coupled with sustaining operations, combine with the decisive operations of the main battle area force to defeat the enemy. The leader’s goal is to prevent the enemy’s increased advance through a combination of fires from prepared positions, obstacles, and possible counterattack.

3-80. Situational understanding is critical in establishing the conditions initiating the striking force’s movement and in determining the general area serving as a focus for counterattacking. It includes identifying those points in time and space where the counterattack proves decisive. A force-oriented objective or an engagement area usually indicates the decisive point.

Next: 3-81: Follow Through

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