3. The hostile fire being directed against a point well down the slope, the high ground in rear will interpose as a defilade and intercept the upper portion of the cone of fire which might otherwise take effect on the supports and reserves behind the crest.
1. It makes withdrawal difficult in case it becomes necessary to fall back.
2. It is difficult to reënforce the firing line.
A position near the crest
Advantages:
1. It favors observation of the enemy.
2. It makes withdrawal easy in case it becomes necessary to fall back.
3. It is easy to reënforce the firing line by the supports advancing from behind the crest.
Disadvantages: