text: Chapter 13
  force makes the enemy force deploy repeatedly to fight through the covering force and commit the enemy
  force’s reserve or follow-on forces to sustain momentum. Figure 13-13 depicts a defensive cover.
  Figure 13-13 Example of a defensive cover
  13-118. Unless the higher echelon commander orders otherwise, a defensive covering force performs certain
  tasks within its capabilities. If a unit does not have the time or resources to complete all of these tasks, it must
  inform the headquarters assigning the mission of the shortfall and request guidance on which tasks to
  complete or on the priority of tasks. After starting the mission, if the unit determines it cannot complete an
  assigned task, such as defeat enemy advance guard formations, it must report to the higher echelon
  commander and await further instructions while the unit continues its assigned mission. A defensive covering
  force emphasizes these tasks within their capability:
  * Detect, report, and destroy all enemy elements attempting to pass through the cover, both ground
  and aerial, and provide the protected force commander early warning of enemy activities.
  * Conduct counterreconnaissance to destroy or defeat all enemy reconnaissance elements. Must
  prevent ground observation and direct fire against the main body.
  * Maintain contact with the protected force and other forces operating on its flanks.
  * Maintain contact with enemy forces and report activity in the assigned area.
  * Maintain observation of avenues of approach that affect the protected forces mission.
  * Locate and identify the lead elements that indicate the enemy’s main attack, as prescribed in the
  enemy’s order of battle based upon IPB (when facing an echeloned enemy force).
  * While displacing, determine the direction of enemy movement, maintain contact, and report threat
  activities.
  * While displacing, impede and harasses the enemy to provide the protected force commander with
  additional time and maneuver space.
  * Cause the enemy main body to deploy prematurely and then report its direction of travel.
  * Deny the enemy information about the size, strength, composition, and location of the MBA.
  * Determine enemy strengths, weaknesses, and disposition, and exploit opportunities until main
  body forces are committed.