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nikolas93TS -> RE: Defense help (11/17/2021 12:08:20 AM)
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The key to the defense is to concentrate units and to position them in a manner that allows them to momentarily engage a smaller piece of the enemy force. For example, as Soviet units advance to contact, they will often be strung out in a column of variable density and length. The defender can place himself at an angle to or on the flank of this advance, using elevation differences, towns, and or woods to initially screen himself from direct observation by the attacking units. As enemy units begin to pass through the screening terrain, the leading elements will become exposed. Since trailing enemy units will not yet be able to see the defenders, the defenders will be able to destroy the more forward attackers piecemeal without being subjected to return fire by the entire enemy force. If enemy reaction is sluggish and he continues to feed his troops into the kill zone after the initial ambush, this tactic can be continued from the same or nearby alternate firing positions. If the enemy reacts well and begins to deploy against your flanks, or is forcing through, then immediately fall-back to positions that will provide a similar terrain advantage. This technique is known as terrain masking by angle.
Whenever possible the defense should be conducted as a mobile defense that withdraws through a series of temporary fighting positions to a final point of decision. Until the attacker is heavily attrited, the defender should avoid decisive engagement. The initial formula should generally be: observe, engage with artillery, engage briefly with long-range direct fire weapons and withdraw those weapons, engage briefly with medium-range weapons and withdraw those weapons.
Repeat this until either the enemy has been reduced to a manageable size or there is nowhere left to withdraw to - this is the point of decision. Assuming surprise fire is still possible, the defender's first goal at this last position is to kill as many targets as possible in the first few volleys of direct fire. After that the only choice remaining is usually to maintain fire, maintain position, and ride out the attack.
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