text: Chapter 7
  WITHDRAW
  7-181. Withdraw is to disengage from an enemy force and moves in a direction away from the enemy
  (ADP3-90). Withdrawing units, whether all or part of a committed force, voluntarily disengage from the
  enemy to preserve the force or release it for a new mission. The purpose of a withdrawal is to remove a unit
  from combat,adjust defensive positions,or relocate forces. A withdrawal may free a unit for a new mission.
  A unitmay execute a withdrawal at any time and during any type of operation.
  7-182. BCTs normally withdraw using a security force,a main body,and a reserve. There are two types of
  withdrawals, assisted and unassisted. In an assisted withdrawal, the next higher headquarters provides the
  security forces that facilitate the move away from the enemy. In an unassisted withdrawal,the BCT provides
  its own security force. Withdrawals are generally conducted under one of two conditions, under enemy
  pressure and not under enemy pressure. Regardless of the type or condition under which it is conducted,all
  withdrawals share the following planning considerations:
  (cid:122) Keep enemy pressure off the withdrawing force. Position security elements to delay the enemy.
  Emplace obstacles andcover by fire to slow its advance.
  (cid:122) Maintain security. Know the enemy’s location and its possible COAs. Observe possible enemy
  avenues of approach.
  (cid:122) Gain a mobility advantage. Gain the advantage by increasing the mobility of the BCT,reducing
  the mobility of the enemy,or both.
  (cid:122) Reconnoiter and prepare routes. Each unit must know the routes or lanes of withdrawal. Establish
  priority of movement and traffic control if two or more units move on the same route.
  (cid:122) Withdraw nonessential elements early. Withdrawing nonessential elements early may include
  some command and control and sustainment elements.
  (cid:122) Move during limited visibility. Movement under limited visibility provides concealment for the
  moving units and reduces the effectiveness of enemy fires.
  (cid:122) Concentrate all available fires on the enemy. Alternate movement between elements so some of
  the force can always place direct or indirect fires on the enemy.
  7-183. Withdrawing under enemy pressure demands superior maneuver,firepower,and control. The BCT
  executes a withdrawal in the same manner as a delay,although its ultimate purpose is to break contact with
  the enemy rather than maintain it as in the delay. When conducting a withdrawal under enemy pressure,the
  commander organizes the BCT into a security force and a main body. Use control measures that facilitate the
  accomplishment of the commander’s intent. These control measures may include areas of operations,battle
  positions,PLs,routes,passage points and lanes,contact points,checkpoints,and battle handover lines.
  7-184. Success depends on facilitating the disengagement of the main body by massing its own fires and
  the overwatch fires provided by the security element. The division commander may place adjacent units in
  overwatch or require them to conduct security operations or limited counterattacks to support the
  withdrawing BCT. To assist withdrawing elements, the security force must be strong enough to detect and
  engage the enemy on all avenues of approach. The BCT may form its own security force from forward
  maneuver battalion elements or the Cavalry squadron. The security force must:
  (cid:122) Stop,disrupt,disengage,or reduce the enemy’s ability to pursue.
  (cid:122) Reduce,through smoke and suppressive fires,the enemy’s capability to observe the movementof
  the main body.
  (cid:122) Rapidly concentrate additional combat power in critical areas.
  7-185. As the commander gives the order to withdraw,the BCT must engage the enemy with concentrated
  direct and indirect fire to enable the withdrawing force to disengage,conduct a rearward passage through the
  security force, assemble, and move to their next position. The security force assumes the fight from the
  forward elements. This includes delaying the enemy advance while the bulk of the BCT conducts movement
  to the rear. On order,or when the BCT meets other predetermined criteria,the security force disengages itself
  and moves to the rear as a rear guard. Depending on the BCT’s next mission, the security force may be
  required to maintain contact with the enemy throughout the operation.
  7-186. When the BCT conducts a withdrawal not under enemy pressure, it must plan as though enemy
  pressure is expected,and then plan for a withdrawal without pressure. Withdrawal not under enemy pressure