text: Defense
  requires the formation of a detachment left in contact (DLIC). Reconnaissance, security,and deception are
  critical to conducting a withdrawal not under enemy pressure. The commander must knowthe activities and
  movements of any enemy in the area that could influence the operation. The commander ensuresthe security
  of the force against surprise and projects the impression of conducting operations other than a withdrawal. If
  the enemy becomes aware that the BCT is withdrawing,the enemy may choose to exploit the BCT’s relative
  vulnerability by attacking or employing indirect fires against elements in movement. Therefore, deception
  and operations security measures are essential to the success of a withdrawal not under enemy pressure.
  These measures include—
  (cid:122) Maintaining the same level of communications.
  (cid:122) Continuing the use of patrols.
  (cid:122) Moving during limited visibility.
  (cid:122) Maintaining the same level of indirect fires.
  (cid:122) Avoiding compromise of the operation by radio.
  (cid:122) Maintaining noise and light discipline.
  (cid:122) Using the DLIC to simulate or continue normal activities.
  7-187. Adetachment left in contactis an element left in contact as part of the previously designated (usually
  rear) security force while the main body conducts its withdrawal (FM 3-90-1). The DLIC is a force organized
  from within the BCT that maintains contact with the enemy while the majority of the BCT withdraws. The
  DLIC usually comprises one third of the available combat power. A BCT may direct that three maneuver
  companies, augmented with the necessary combat power and increased mobility and firepower, form the
  DLIC.
  7-188. Two techniques for organizing the DLIC are designating one maneuver battalion as the DLIC or
  forming a new organization under the BCT S-3. When one maneuver battalion forms the DLIC,it repositions
  its forcethrough a series of company-sizedrelief in place operations with companies in the other maneuver
  battalion’s areas of operations. The advantages of this technique arethat command and control is facilitated
  by the organic nature of the units involved and the focus of the force as a whole is dedicated toward one
  mission maintaining contact and preparing to fight a delay, if necessary. The disadvantages are the time
  needed to reposition and the increased amount of movement in the area of operations that may signal a
  vulnerability to the enemy.
  7-189. Forming a new organization under a new controlling headquarters also has advantages and
  disadvantages. The advantages are that the units of the DLIC may have to do less repositioning and some
  may not have to move at all. This advantage helps to deceive the enemy as to the intentions of the BCT. The
  disadvantage is that the unit’s ability to fight as a team decreases if the organization is ad hoc in nature. This
  organization must train together to avoid this disadvantage.
  RETIREMENT
  7-190. Aretirementiswhena force out of contact moves away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). A retirement
  is conducted as a tactical movement to the rear. The brigade may move on one or more routes depending on
  the routes available. Security for the main body is similar to that for a movement to contact using advance,
  flank,and rear guards. As in all tactical movements,all round security must be maintained. In all retrograde
  operations,control of friendly maneuver elements is a prerequisite for success. A withdrawal may become a
  retirement once forces have disengaged from the enemy,and the main body forms march columns.
  7-191. The BCT conducts retrograde operations to improve a tactical situation or to prevent defeat.
  Retrograde operations accomplish the following:
  (cid:122) Resist,exhaust,and defeat enemy forces.
  (cid:122) Draw the enemy into an unfavorable situation.
  (cid:122) Avoid contact in undesirable conditions.
  (cid:122) Gain time.
  (cid:122) Disengage a force from battle for use elsewhere in other missions.