Infantry Drills

4-101: Transition to the Defense



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4-101. Leaders must ensure transitions from defensive to stability tasks and vice versa are planned. For example, it may be tactically wise for leaders to plan a defensive contingency with on-order offensive missions if certain stability conditions could deteriorate. Leaders within the platoon must be fully trained to recognize activities, which would initiate this transition. Indicators to transition include:

  • Increased insurgent activity, strength, and combat power.
  • Increased insurgent movements.
  • An increase in civilian attacks.
  • Upcoming key host nation events.
  • Concentration of insurgent activities in local or adjoining areas of operations.

Next: 4-102: Transfer of Authority

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