text: Chapter 8
  Stay-Behind Operations
  8-38. A stay-behind operation is an operation in which a unit remains in position to conduct a specified
  mission while the remainder of the force withdraws or retires from an area. The force for this operation
  consists of enough combat, functional and multifunctional support, and sustainment elements to protect and
  sustain its fighting capability for the duration of the mission. A stay-behind force may also result from enemy
  actions that bypass friendly forces.
  8-39. The primary purpose of the stay-behind force is to deceive an enemy force into believing the parent
  unit is still in position while most of the unit withdraws and disrupts enemy forces. A stay-behind force is a
  high-risk mission because of the potential for its encirclement and destruction by enemy forces. Resupply
  and casualty evacuation are also extremely difficult. Commanders consider assigning these missions only
  after a thorough analysis of the mission variables. A stay-behind force attacks enemy combat forces and
  command nodes, functional and multifunctional support, and sustainment elements from unexpected
  directions. These attacks may cause enemy follow-on forces to be more cautious and to slow down to clear
  possible attack and ambush sites. Commanders may require the stay-behind force to conduct a breakout from
  encirclement and linkup operations after it completes its mission.
  8-40. A dismounted, stay-behind infantry force surprises an enemy force by conducting a series of raids and
  ambushes. Commanders can insert this infantry force via infiltration, air assault, or airborne operations; it
  can also be a bypassed force. Attacks in the enemy support area by friendly armored forces can cover a larger
  area than attacks by dismounted infantry forces.
  8-41. Stay-behind operations eventually require the stay-behind force to reenter friendly lines or link up with
  other elements, often in more than one location. Commanders carefully coordinate this reentry to prevent
  friendly fire incidents. Commanders select the best return routes available for the stay-behind force, and they
  guard gaps or lanes through obstacles along these routes.
  8-42. Commanders conduct stay-behind operations only when confident that the stay-behind force will rejoin
  the main body, extract itself in alternative ways, or the main body will fight its way forward to link up with
  the stay-behind force. It is critical that the commander and staff develop detailed isolated Soldier guidance
  when planning the stay-behind operation. (See FM 3-50 for more information on isolated Soldier guidance.)
  8-43. A detachment left in contact is an element left in contact as part of the previously designated
  security force while the main body conducts its withdrawal. It simulates—as nearly as possible—the
  continued presence of the main body until it is too late for an enemy force to react by conducting activities
  such as electronic transmissions or attacks. The detachment left in contact (DLIC) requires specific
  instructions about what to do when the enemy force attacks and when and under what circumstances to delay
  or withdraw. If the detachment left in contact must disengage from the enemy force, it uses the same
  techniques as in the delay. If required, commanders provide these detachments additional recovery,
  evacuation, and transportation assets to use after disengagement to speed their rearward movement.
  8-44. While both a detachment left in contact and a stay-behind force delay and disrupt the enemy, the
  biggest difference is the level of stealth. A stay-behind force delays the enemy through small scale
  engagements such as raids and ambushes. A stay-behind force only masses its combat power when combat
  power ratios and the tactical situation are in its favor. A detachment left in contact engages the enemy and
  tries to represent itself as a larger force, so its presence must be known as it fights in a very conventional
  manner. Both forces seek to link-up with friendly forces when they accomplish their commander’s intent.
  8-45. Two methods exist to resource the detachment left in contact. The first method is for each major
  subordinate element of the withdrawing force to leave a sub element in place. For example, in a BCT
  withdrawal, each maneuver battalion leaves a task-organized company team in contact. Typically, these
  teams fall under a senior DLIC commander designated by the brigade commander. The second method is
  one major subordinate command of the withdrawing force can stay behind as the DLIC. Figure 8-1 depicts a
  BCT with three maneuver battalions leaving one task-organized battalion as the detachment left in contact.
  That battalion expands its security responsibilities to cover the width of the BCTs' assigned area.