- A position intended to resist the advance of an enemy in the immediate vicinity information of whose movements is not full enough to warrant definite action.
Withdrawal From Action:
- Troops most readily disengaged from the enemy should be withdrawn first.
- Demands highest order of skill in troop leadership.
- Covering Positions—those positions chosen to cover the retreating force.
- Retreat—a step by step opposition to the enemy's advance on a
prearranged plan.
- Advance delayed as long as possible, consistent with safe withdrawal.
- Delayers must hold position.
- Delaying actions:
Night Combat:
Offensive advisable.
- Where fire superiority is impossible by day.
- To avoid heavy losses by advance to assaulting position by day.
- To capture posts or patrols.
- To surprise for moral effect.
Defensive:
- Obstacles in front of position.
- Trenches heavily manned and supports drawn close.
Shelter:
- Troops under canvas—in camp.
- Troops on ground without canvas—bivouac.
- Troops in huts or villages—cantonment.
- Tactical considerations are paramount in the selection of camp sites in the theater of operations.