text: Chapter 4
  Response Force Operations
  4-53. Response force operations expediently reinforce unit organic protection capabilities or complement
  that protection with maneuver capabilities based on the threat. Response force operations include planning
  for the defeat of Level I and II threats and the shaping of Level III threats until a designated TCF arrives for
  decisive operations. A response force with appropriate fire support (usually designated by the area
  commander) is tasked to deal with Level I or II threats located in the support area. The response force delays
  a Level III threat until a TCF arrives. Each threat level or any combination of levels may exist throughout the
  operational environment. See JP 3-10 for additional information on the levels of threat.
  4-54. Each designated base camp commander is responsible for organizing and preparing a quick reaction
  force. The quick reaction force can be from assigned, attached, or OPCON units or supporting or reinforcing
  combat forces directed to conduct combat operations in support of the unit. These forces operate under control
  of the BDOC to defeat Level I and some Level II threats and delay Level III threats until the support area
  designated land owner responds with their response force or a TCF.
  4-55. When needed, the base camp quick reaction force assembles and counterattacks by fire and maneuver
  to eliminate the threat. The base camp commander commits the quick reaction force, reconstitutes the quick
  reaction force, and notifies the base cluster commander, if assigned, or the support area commander. This
  notification becomes the warning order for the base cluster or support area reserve.
  4-56. The commitment of a quick reaction force becomes a significant command and control and potential
  fratricide problem that rehearsals and standing operating procedures can mitigate. Since the two friendly
  forces may converge, typically the higher commander assumes command and control of the engagement.
  Reserve
  4-57. When assigned the support area, the MEB commander should dedicate a reserve. The reserve is a
  dedicated force withheld from action and committed at a decisive moment. The reserve provides the
  commander flexibility to exploit success or deal with a tactical setback. The force is not committed to perform
  any other task.
  4-58. The reserve is positioned to respond quickly to unanticipated missions. A reserve maintains protection
  from enemy fires and detection by maximizing covered and concealed positions, wide dispersion, and
  frequent repositioning.
  4-59. When resources (or METT-TC) permit, the MEB may begin defensive operations with a company
  reserve and allocate additional forces to the reserve as operations progress. In other cases, the MEB initial
  reserve force might be as small as a platoon.
  4-60. A reserve is usually assigned an AA or base camp. Maintaining and positioning a reserve is a key
  requirement for achieving depth within the defense. The MEB commander and staff determine the size and
  position of the reserve based on the accuracy of knowledge about the enemy and the ability of the terrain to
  accommodate multiple enemy COAs. When the MEB commander has intelligence about the enemy and the
  maneuver options of the enemy are limited, the MEB can maintain a smaller reserve. If knowledge of the
  enemy is limited and the terrain allows the enemy multiple COAs, then the MEB needs a larger reserve. This
  gives the MEB commander the required combat power and reaction time to commit the reserve effectively
  in the support area. To employ the reserve, the MEB commander must be able to track the threat, assess
  information, and employ and control fires.
  Tactical Combat Force
  4-61. The MEB defeats Level I, II, and III (if assigned a TCF) threats within the support area. Tenant units
  defeat Level I and some Level II threats within their assigned base camps. The support area commander
  employs a response force (military police units if task-organized to the support area designated land owner)
  within their AO to assist tenants or convoy commanders to defeat Level II threats and delay Level III threats
  when they are not capable of doing it themselves. The MEB commander employs a TCF to defeat Level III
  threats in the support area.