text: Chapter 10
  to support that move. Once committed, units in the striking force require priority of fuel, ammunition, and
  maintenance support over comparable units in the fixing force. Units establish casualty treatment and
  evacuation procedures for both the fixing force and the striking force. The fixing force will likely suffer a
  higher percentage of casualties than the striking force as it absorbs the enemy force’s attack. When the
  striking force must move a considerable distance from its assembly area, units should consider establishing
  a tactical assembly area near the fixing force prior to the assault on the enemy. Commanders weigh the
  benefits of establishing these bases against the cost in terms of combat power or effort diverted from the
  support mission to secure intermediate staging bases before establishing them. (See ATP 3-35 for additional
  information on intermediate staging bases.)
  PREPARING A MOBILE DEFENSE
  10-21. Preparations for a mobile defense include developing the fixing force’s defensive positions and
  engagement areas. Units aggressively use information collection assets to track enemy forces as they
  approach. Engineers participate in conducting route and area reconnaissance to find and classify existing
  routes. They improve existing routes and open new routes for use during the battle by the striking force. They
  also conduct counter mobility and survivability operations for the fixing force.
  10-22. The striking force assembles in one or more areas depending on the width of the assigned area, the
  terrain, enemy capabilities, and their commander’s intent. Before the enemy attack begins, the striking force
  may deploy some or all of its elements forward in the MBA to—
  * Deceive the enemy force regarding the purpose of the striking force.
  * Occupy dummy BPs.
  * Create a false impression of unit boundaries, which is important when operating with a mix of
  armored, Stryker, and light infantry forces or multinational forces.
  * Conduct reconnaissance of routes between the striking force’s assembly areas and potential
  objectives.
  10-23. The enemy force attempts to discover the strength, composition, and location of units that constitute
  the fixing force and the striking force. Units use protective measures, such as security forces and OPSEC, to
  deny the enemy force information. Friendly units use those measures to degrade the collection capabilities
  of enemy reconnaissance and surveillance assets. Commanders routinely reposition units to mislead the
  enemy force and to protect the friendly force. In addition, units incorporate OPSEC, tactical deception, and
  other protective measures into plans and preparations. They attempt to portray an area defense to the enemy
  force while hiding the striking force.
  EXECUTING A MOBILE DEFENSE
  10-24. The first two steps of the tactical framework are normally done by the fixing force. The finish step
  is normally the mobile defense’s main effort, while the follow through step is normally a branch or sequel
  operation done by both forces.
  10-25. Units executing a mobile defense maintain the flexibility to yield terrain and shape the enemy
  penetration. They may even entice the enemy force by appearing to uncover an objective of strategic or
  operational value to the enemy force. The striking force maneuvers to conduct the main effort—the
  counterattack—once the results of the actions of the fixing force shape the situation to meet the commander’s
  intent.
  FIND THE ENEMY
  10-26. Units conducting a mobile defense focus on discovering the enemy’s strength and exact locations to
  facilitate the effectiveness of the striking force. The security force (guard or cover) or the fixing force
  confirms the enemy force’s course of action and the main avenues of approach used by the enemy force.
  Commanders normally task other information collection assets to determine the location of enemy reserves
  and follow-on forces. Early detection of an enemy force’s main effort provides units with reaction time to
  adjust their fixing force’s positions and shape the enemy penetration, which, in turn, provides the time