text: Chapter 7
  an area of operations,the force is organized sothat most of the available combat power is committed early
  in the defensive effort. To accomplish this,the commander may deploy forces forward or plan counterattacks
  well forward in the MBAor even beyond the MBA. If the commander has the option of conducting a defense
  in-depth,security forces and forward MBAelements identify,define,and control the depth of the enemy’s
  main effort while holding off secondary thrusts. Doing so allows the commander to conserve combat power,
  strengthen the reserve, and better resource the counterattack. In an area defense, the commander organizes
  the defending force to accomplish information collection,security,MBA,reserve,and sustainmentmissions.
  (See figure 7-10.)
  Figure 7-10. Area defense, organization of forces
  Information Collection
  7-111. The commander directs information collection assets to determine the locations, strengths, and
  probable intentions of the attacking enemy force. The commander places a high priority on early
  identification of the enemy’s main effort.The commander ensures that the mission of reconnaissance forces
  and surveillance assets are coordinated with those of higher headquarters. In the defense, reconnaissance,
  surveillance,and securityoperations overlap the unit’s planning and preparing phases.