text: Defense
  7-106. Planning considerations for a strong point,although not inclusive,may include—
  (cid:122) Establishment of outposts and observation posts.
  (cid:122) Development of integrated fires plans that include final protective fires.
  (cid:122) Priorities of work.
  (cid:122) Counterattack plans.
  (cid:122) Stockage of supplies.
  (cid:122) Integration and support of subordinate forces outside the strong point.
  (cid:122) Actions of adjacent units.
  COMBAT OUTPOST
  7-107. Acombat outpostis a reinforced observation post capable of conducting limited combat operations
  (FM 3-90-2). Using combat outposts is a technique for employing security forces in restrictive terrain that
  precludes mounted security forces from covering the area. While the mission variables of METT-TC
  determine the size, location, and number of combat outposts established by a unit, a reinforced platoon
  typically occupies a combat outpost. Combat outposts normally are located far enough in front of the
  protected force to prevent enemy ground reconnaissance elements from directly observing the protected
  force. (SeeFM 3-90-2 and ATP 3-21.8 for additional information.)
  SECTION V – DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
  7-108. Adefensiveoperationis an operationto defeat an enemy attack,gain time,economize forces,and
  develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations (ADP 3-0). The three defensive operations
  are area defense,mobile defense,and retrograde. Planning and preparing an effective defense takes time. The
  commander uses security elements to provide early warning, reaction time, and maneuver space. Units
  establish a defense immediately upon occupation. Commanders refine the initial defense through planning
  and preparation and may require units to shift and adjust their positions after the plan is final. Defensive
  preparations and refinement are never complete. As required, defending units conduct consolidation and
  reorganization activities after each enemy engagement (see paragraph 6-30 for a discussion of these
  activities).
  AREA DEFENSE
  7-109. Anarea defenseis a type of defensive operationthat concentrates on denying enemy forces access
  to designated terrainfor a specific time rather than destroying the enemy outright (ADP 3-90). The defender
  limits the enemy’s freedom of maneuver and channels them into designated EAs. The focus of the area
  defense is to retain terrain where the bulk of the defending force positions itself in mutually supporting,
  prepared positions. Units maintain their positions and control the terrain between these positions. The
  decisive operation focuses on fires into EAs possibly supplemented by a counterattack. The commander can
  use the reserve to reinforce fires;add depth,block,or restore the position by counterattack;seize the initiative;
  or destroy enemy forces. The BCT conducts an area defense under the following conditions:
  (cid:122) When directed to defend or retain specified terrain.
  (cid:122) When forces available have less mobility than the enemy does.
  (cid:122) When the terrain affords natural lines of resistance.
  (cid:122) When the terrainlimits the enemy to a few well-defined avenues of approach.
  (cid:122) When there is time to organize the position.
  (cid:122) When conditions require the preservation of forces.
  ORGANIZATION OF FORCES
  7-110. The BCT commander organizes an area defense around the static framework of the defensive
  positions seeking to destroy enemy forces by interlocking fire or local counterattacks. The commander has
  the option of defending forward or defending in-depth. The depth of the force positioning depends on the
  threat,task organization of the BCT,and nature of the terrain. When the commander defends forward within