Section 4 – Retrograde

5-174. A retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). The enemy may force a retrograde or the commander may execute it voluntarily. In either case, the higher commander of the force executing the operation must approve retrograding. The three variations of the retrograde are delay, withdrawal, and retirement.

5-175. Retrogrades are conducted to improve a tactical situation or preventing a worse situation from developing. Platoons usually conduct retrogrades as part of a larger force but may conduct independent retrogrades (withdrawal) as required. Retrograde movement is any movement to the rear or away from the enemy (FM 3-90). Retrograde operations can accomplish the following:

  • Resist, exhaust, and defeat enemy forces.
  • Draw the enemy into an unfavorable situation.
  • Avoid contact in undesirable conditions.
  • Gain time.
  • Disengage a force from battle for use elsewhere for other missions.
  • Reposition forces, shorten lines of communication, or conform to movements of other friendly units.
  • Secure favorable terrain.

Delay

5-176. A delay is when a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on enemy forces without becoming decisively engaged (ADP 3-90). Delays allow units to trade space for time, avoiding decisive engagement and safeguard its forces. Ability of a force to trade space for time requires depth within the AO assigned to the delaying force. The amount of depth required depends on several factors, including the—

  • Amount of time to be gained.
  • Relative combat power of friendly and enemy forces.
  • Relative mobility of forces.
  • Nature of terrain.
  • Ability to shape the AO with obstacles and fires.
  • Degree of acceptable risk.

5-177. Delays succeed by forcing the enemy to concentrate forces to fight through a series of defensive positions. Delays must offer a continued threat of serious opposition, forcing the enemy to repeatedly deploy and maneuver. Delaying forces displace to subsequent positions before the enemy can concentrate sufficient resources to engage decisively and defeat delaying forces in current positions. The length of time a force can remain in position without facing danger of becoming decisively engaged is primarily a function of relative combat power and METT-TC (I). (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.) Delays gain time to—

  • Allow friendly forces to establish a defense.
  • Cover withdrawing forces.
  • Protect friendly force’s flanks.
  • Allow friendly forces to counterattack.

Parameters Of The Delay

5-178. Parameters of the delay are specified in the order for a delay mission. First, leaders direct one of two alternatives: delay within the AO or delay forward of a specified line or terrain feature for a specified time. A delay line is a phase line over which an enemy is not allowed to cross before a specific date and time or enemy condition (FM 3-90). The delay line is depicted as part of the graphic control measure. The second parameter in the order must specify acceptable risk. Acceptable risk ranges from accepting decisive engagement to hold terrain for a given time maintaining integrity of the delaying force. The order must specify whether the delaying force may use the entire AO or must delay from specific battle positions. A delay using the entire AO is preferable, but a delay from specific positions may be required to coordinate two or more units.

Alternate Or Successive Positions

5-179. Leaders normally assign subordinate unit contiguous operations that are deeper than they are wide. Leaders use obstacles, fires, and movement throughout the depth of assigned AO. If the leader plans the delay to last only a short time or the AO depth is limited, delaying units may be forced to fight from a single set of positions. If the leader expects the delay to last for longer periods, or sufficient depth is available, delaying units may delay from either alternate or successive positions.

5-180. In both techniques, delaying forces normally reconnoiter subsequent positions before occupying them if possible, and post guides on one or two subsequent positions. Additionally, in executing both techniques, it is critical the delaying force maintains contact with the enemy between delay positions. Advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques are summarized in table 5-5.

Table 5-5. Advantages and disadvantages of delay techniques

5-181. The alternate position technique normally is preferred when adequate forces are available, and AO have sufficient depth. Delays from alternate positions, two or more units in a single AO occupy delaying positions in-depth. (See figure 5-14.) As the first unit engages the enemy, the second occupies the next position in-depth and prepares to assume responsibility for the operation. The first force disengages and passes around or through the second force. It then moves to the next position and prepares to re-engage the enemy while the second force takes up the fight.

Figure 5-14. Delay from alternate positions

5-182. Delays from subsequent positions are used when assigned AO are so wide available forces cannot occupy more than a single tier of positions. (See figure 5-15 on page 5-64.) Delays from subsequent positions must ensure all delaying units are committed to each of the series of battle positions or across the AO on the same phase line. Most of the delaying force is located well forward. Mission dictates the delay from one battle position or phase line to the next. Delaying unit movement is staggered so not all forces are moving at the same time.

Figure 5-15. Delay from subsequent positions

Withdrawal

5-183. Withdraw is to disengage from an enemy force and move in a direction away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). Withdrawal is a planned retrograde operation, which a force in contact disengages from an enemy force and moves away from the enemy. Although the leader avoids withdrawing from action under enemy pressure, it is not always possible. Withdrawal is used to preserve the force or release it for a new mission.

5-184. Withdrawals are inherently dangerous. They involve moving units to the rear and away from what is usually a stronger enemy force. The heavier the previous fighting and closer the contact with the enemy, the more difficult the withdrawal. Units usually confine rearward movement to times and conditions when the advancing enemy force cannot observe the activity or easily detect the operation. Operations security is critical, particularly during the initial stages of a withdrawal when most of the functional and sustainment forces displace. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Planning A Withdrawal

5-185. The leader plans and coordinates a withdrawal in the same manner as a delay. METT-TC (I) applies differently because of differences between a delay and withdrawal. A withdrawal always begins under the threat of enemy interference. Because the force is most vulnerable when the enemy attacks, the leader plans for a withdrawal under pressure. The leader then develops contingencies for a withdrawal without pressure. In both cases, the leader’s main considerations are to—

  • Plan a deliberate break from the enemy.
  • Displace the main body rapidly, free of enemy interference.
  • Safeguard withdrawal routes.
  • Retain sufficient maneuver, functional/multifunctional support and sustainment capabilities throughout the operation supporting forces in contact with the enemy.

Assisted Or Unassisted

5-186. Withdrawals may be assisted or unassisted. They may or may not take place under enemy pressure. These two factors combined produce four variations. Figure 5-16 depicts the mission graphic for a withdrawal and withdrawal under enemy pressure. The withdrawal plan considers which variation the force currently faces.

Figure 5-16. Types of withdrawals

5-187. Leaders prefer to conduct a withdrawal while not under enemy pressure and without assistance. Actions by the enemy, as well as additional coordination needed because of the presence of an assisting unit, complicate the operation.

5-188. During an assisted withdrawal, the assisting force occupies positions to the rear of the withdrawing unit and prepares to accept control of the situation. Both forces closely coordinate the withdrawal. A withdrawing force can receive assistance from another force in the form of—

  • Additional security for the area through which the withdrawing force will pass.
  • Information concerning withdrawal routes (reconnaissance and trafficability).
  • Forces to secure choke points or key terrain along withdrawal routes.
  • Elements to assist in movement control, such as traffic control post.
  • Required maneuver, direct fire support and sustainment, which can involve conducting a counterattack to assist the withdrawing unit in disengaging from the enemy.

5-189. During an unassisted withdrawal, the withdrawing unit establishes routes and develops plans for the withdrawal. It establishes the security force as a rear guard while the main body withdraws. Sustainment and protection forces usually withdraw first, followed by combat forces. As the unit withdraws, the detachment left in contact (DLIC) disengages from the enemy and follows the main body to its final destination. A detachment left in contact is an element left in contact as part of the previously designated security force while the main body conducts its withdrawal (FM 3-90). It simulates—as nearly as possible—the continued presence of the main body until it is too late for an enemy force to react by conducting activities such as electronic transmissions or attacks. The DLIC requires specific instructions about what to do when the enemy force attacks and when and under what circumstances to delay or withdraw. If the DLIC must disengage from the enemy force, it uses the same techniques as in the delay (see paragraph 5-176).

5-190. A stay-behind operation is an operation in which a unit remains in position to conduct a specified mission while the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from an area (FM 3-90). While both a DLIC and a stay-behind force delay and disrupt the enemy, the biggest difference is the level of stealth. A stay-behind force delays the enemy through small scale engagements such as raids and ambushes. A stay-behind force only masses its combat power when combat power ratios and the tactical situation are in its favor. A DLIC engages the enemy and tries to represent itself as a larger force, so its presence must be known as it fights in a very conventional manner. Both forces seek to link-up with friendly forces when they accomplish their commander’s intent. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Withdrawal Not Under Pressure

5-191. In a withdrawal not under pressure, platoons may serve as or as part of the DLIC. A DLIC is used to deceive the enemy into thinking that the entire force is still in position. As the DLIC, the platoon—

  • Repositions squads and weapons to cover the company’s withdrawal.
  • Repositions a squad in each of the other platoon positions to cover the most dangerous avenue of approach into the position.
  • Continues the normal operating patterns of the company and simulates company radio traffic.
  • Covers the company withdrawal with planned direct and indirect fires if the company is attacked during withdrawal.
  • Withdraws by echelon (squads or teams) once the company is at its next position.

5-192. In a withdrawal not under pressure, the platoon leader may designate one squad to execute the DLIC mission for the platoon or constitute the DLIC using elements from the remaining rifle squads with the platoon sergeant as the DLIC leader. Figure 5-17 shows an example of an unassisted withdrawal, not under pressure.

Figure 5-17. Unassisted withdrawal (not under pressure)

Withdrawal Under Pressure

5-193. In a withdrawal under enemy pressure, all units withdraw simultaneously when available routes allow, using delaying tactics to fight their way to the rear. When simultaneous withdrawal of all forces is not practical, (for example, when the platoon cannot prepare and position the security force, it conducts a fighting withdrawal) the platoon leader decides the order of withdrawal. Soldiers and squads not in contact are withdrawn first to provide suppressive fire and to allow Soldiers and squads (or teams) in contact to withdraw. Several factors influence this decision:

  • Subsequent missions.
  • Availability of transportation assets and routes.
  • Disposition of friendly and enemy forces.
  • Level and nature of enemy pressure.
  • Degree of urgency associated with the withdrawal.

Methods Of Disengagement

5-194. Based on the OPORD, the unit may be required to retain defensive positions and to remain and fight for a certain amount of time, or it may be required to disengage—a tactical mission task in which a unit breaks contact with an enemy to conduct another mission or to avoid becoming decisively engaged (FM 3-90)—and displace to subsequent positions. A platoon, as part of a company, may disengage to defend from another battle position, prepare for a counterattack, delay, withdraw, or prepare for another mission.

Fire and Movement

5-195. Fire and movement to the rear is the basic method for disengaging. All available fires are used to slow the enemy and allow platoons to move away. The company commander may move subordinate platoons and mass fires to stop or slow the enemy advance before beginning the movement away from the enemy.

5-196. Using bounding overwatch, a base of fire is formed to cover platoons or squads moving away from the enemy. One platoon or squad acts as the base of fire, delaying the enemy with fire or retaining terrain blocking the advance, while other platoons or squads disengage (see figure 5-18).

5-197. Moving platoons or squads get to their next position and provide a base of fire to cover the rearward movement of forward platoons and squads. Fire and movement is repeated until contact with the enemy is broken, the platoons pass through a different base-of-fire force, or the platoons are in position to resume their defense.

Figure 5-18. Bounding overwatch to the rear

Plan for Disengagement

5-198. Tactics used by the platoon to disengage from the enemy differ according to the company commander’s plan for disengagement, how the platoon is deployed, and other factors. The following actions apply in all cases:

  • Maximum use is made of the terrain to cover rearward movement. Squads back out of position and move, attempting to keep a terrain feature between them and the enemy.
  • Rapid movement and effective base of fire enhance mobility and are key to a successful disengagement.

5-199. Plans for disengagement may be part of any defensive plan. When squads are separated, there are three ways they can disengage: by squads and fire teams; by thinning the lines when they must cover their own movement; or simultaneously when they are covered by another force.

Squads and Fire Teams

5-200. When the rifle platoon must cover their own movement, (for example) two squads may stay in position as a base of fire. The third squad and weapons squad then move to the rear (crew-served weapons move based on the platoon leader’s assessment of when they could best move). The squads left in position must fire into the entire element’s sector to cover the movement of the other squad(s). Sectors of fire are adjusted for better coverage of the element’s sector. The moving squad may displace by squad or as fire teams depending on the enemy’s effective fires or because there are two squads covering their movement. The squads left in position sequentially disengage. Movement to the rear by alternating squads continues until contact is broken.

Thinning the Lines

5-201. When disengaging by thinning the lines, selected Soldiers from each fire team (usually one Soldier from each fighting position) disengage and move to the rear (see figure 5-19). The Soldiers still in position become the base of fire to cover the movement.

Figure 5-19. Disengagement by thinning the lines

Simultaneous Disengagement

5-202. Squads disengage simultaneously when they are covered by another force. Simultaneous disengagement is favored when rapid movement is critical, when the disengaging element is adequately covered by overwatching fires, when the enemy has not closed on the rifle squad or cannot fire effectively at it, and when there are obstacles to delay the enemy. Simultaneous disengagement is used when rifle squads are able to move before the enemy can close on their position.

Retirement

5-203. A retirement is when a force out of contact moves away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). Retirement is a form of retrograde, which a force not in contact with the enemy moves away from the enemy. A retiring unit organizes for combat but does not anticipate interference by enemy ground forces. Typically, another unit’s security force covers the tactical movement of one formation as the unit conducts a retirement. However, enemy forces may attempt to interdict the retiring force through unconventional forces, air strikes, air assault, or long-range fires. The leader anticipates enemy actions and organizes the unit to fight in self-defense. The leader usually conducts retirement to reposition forces for future operations or to accommodate the current concept of operations. Units may utilize tactical road marches (see chapter 6) where security and speed are the most important considerations. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Next Page : Section 5 – Engagement Area

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