text: Chapter 9
  Figure 9-12. Slope terminology
  9-103. Units choose to conduct a reverse slope defense when—
  * The crest and forward slope are untenable because the enemy force enjoys a quantitative or
  qualitative advantage in firepower at that point.
  * Enemy forces cannot depress enough to engage friendly forces.
  * The crest and forward slope offer little or no cover and concealment.
  * The forward slope has been lost to enemy action or not seized.
  * Mutual support by flank units can adequately cover the forward slope.
  * Variance in the friendly force’s tactical pattern is advisable to deceive or surprise enemy forces.
  * Forced to assume a hasty defense while in contact with or close to enemy forces.
  9-104. A reverse slope defense may deceive enemy forces regarding the true location and organization of
  its main defensive positions. This defense protects the main defensive positions from preparation fires and
  causes enemy forces to deploy into assault formations prematurely. The forward crest of the main defensive
  positions limits the enemy force’s observation. It reduces the effectiveness of enemy indirect fires and close
  air support rendering the enemy force’s direct fire weapons ineffective. The defending force may surprise
  enemy forces as they crest the high ground, engaging them with massed fires. Units on the reverse slope have
  more freedom of movement until the crest is lost. The reverse slope defense also removes any direct fire
  stand-off advantage the enemy may have.
  9-105. However, using a reverse slope defense has several disadvantages:
  * The effective range of direct fire weapons may be limited.
  * Once security elements withdraw, enemy forces can advance largely unimpeded until attacking
  elements crest the high ground in front of the main defensive positions.
  * The enemy force has the advantage of attacking downhill.
  * Maintaining observation of the enemy force is difficult.
  * In some cases, units can cover obstacles only from positions on the forward slope.
  Organizations of Forces
  9-106. Commanders task-organize their forces to give each unit enough combat power to accomplish its
  mission once their schemes of maneuver are determined. A unit conducting a reverse slope defense normally
  task-organize their forces into a security force, a main body, and a reserve.
  9-107. Units position the security force where they can observe the forward slope, the terrain forward of it,
  and other approaches to the defending position. Security elements destroy enemy reconnaissance assets,
  delay enemy forces, disorganize the enemy force’s attack, and deceive enemy forces regarding the exact