text: Chapter 5
  Figure 5-14. Reinforced ABCT performing flank cover
  DEFENSIVE COVER
  5-108. A defensive covering force prevents the enemy from attacking at the time, place, and combat strength
  of their choosing. The defensive cover forces the enemy to reveal their main effort, to disrupt the enemy’s
  attack, destroy their initiative, and set the conditions for their defeat. Defensive covers maintain continuous
  observation of avenues of approach. They destroy or disrupt enemy reconnaissance and security forces to
  deceive the enemy of friendly disposition, and the location of the main defensive effort. The defensive forces
  determine the size, strength, composition, and direction of the enemy’s main effort, and maintain contact and
  force the commitment of enemy second-echelon forces. A defensive covering force operates to the front,
  flanks, or rear of a main body deploying to defend. Defensive cover is performed most frequently forward of
  the main body.