text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 4
  4-121. The disruption force has many missions. The most important mission
  at the operational level is the destruction of appropriate elements of the en-
  emy’s combat system, to begin disaggregating it. The following list provides
  examples of other tasks that the disruption force may perform:
  • Detect the enemy’s main groupings.
  • Force the enemy to reveal his intentions.
  • Deceive the enemy as to the location and configuration of battle
  positions.
  • Delay the enemy, allowing time for preparation of defenses and
  counterattacks.
  • Force the enemy into premature deployment.
  • Attack lucrative targets (key systems, vulnerable troops).
  • Canalize the enemy into situations unfavorable to him.
  The disruption force mission also includes maintaining contact with the
  enemy and setting the conditions for successful reconnaissance fire and
  strikes.
  4-122. In an area defense, the disruption force often occupies and operates
  out of battle positions in the disruption zone and seeks to inflict maximum
  harm on selected enemy units and destroy enemy systems operating through-
  out the AOR. An area defense disruption force permits the enemy no safe
  haven and continues to inflict damage at all hours and in all weather
  conditions.
  4-123. Disruption force units break contact after conducting ambushes and
  return to battle positions for refit and resupply. Long-range fires, ODs, and
  ambushes to delay pursuing enemy units can assist units in breaking contact
  and withdrawing.
  4-124. Even within the overall context of an operational area defense, the
  disruption force might employ a maneuver defense. In this case, the distance
  between positions in the disruption zone is such that the enemy is forced to
  displace the majority of his supporting weapons to continue the attack on the
  subsequent positions. This aids the force in breaking contact and permits
  time to occupy subsequent positions.
  4-125. The disruption zone often includes a significant obstacle effort.
  Engineer effort in the disruption zone also provides mobility support to
  disruption force units requiring maneuver to conduct their attacks or
  ambushes.
  4-126. Within the overall structure of the area defense, disruption force units
  seek to conduct highly damaging local attacks. They deploy on likely enemy
  avenues of approach. They choose the best terrain to inflict maximum dam-
  age on the attacking enemy and use obstacles and barriers extensively. They
  defend aggressively by fire and maneuver. When enemy pressure grows too
  strong, these forces can conduct a maneuver defense, withdrawing from one
  position to another in order to avoid envelopment or decisive engagement.