text: Appendix C
  takes vehicles it can support. It may be possible for the higher echelon headquarters of the encircled force to
  establish an intermediate staging base as the breakout attack moves toward a linkup with other friendly forces.
  CONSIDERATIONS FOR AN ENCIRCLED DEFENDER
  C-68. When defending an encircled area, units consider employing aviation, fires, engineer, and sustainment
  assets. Divisions and corps may consider relocating aviation systems from any attached combat aviation
  brigades to locations that are not in danger of encirclement. Aviation assets can rapidly bring additional
  firepower to bear on an encircling enemy force or rapidly move reaction forces to threatened locations along
  a defensive perimeter. Generally, aviation assets fly out of an encirclement when it becomes small enough to
  allow the enemy force’s artillery to range throughout the area.
  C-69. The commander centrally controls fire support systems, such as artillery, to provide support at
  numerous points along the perimeter and mass fires. The commander designates the senior field artillery staff
  officer, such as the chief of fires or brigade fire support officer, to control fire support. At the BCT level, the
  field artillery battalion commander also advises the commander. At lower echelons, commanders may co-
  locate mortars from various units under centralized control, especially if there are insufficient artillery assets.
  C-70. Generally, engineers concentrate first on countermobility, then survivability, and then mobility.
  Defensive protective positions include, but are not limited to, command posts, signal nodes (and other
  facilities for the command and control warfighting function), critical equipment (to include sensors), supply
  and ammunition storage/holding areas, and other items that are likely to be targeted by enemy action.
  Dispersal is difficult in a perimeter type defense; therefore, the next best alternative is position hardening by
  constructing field fortifications.
  C-71. Encircled units closely monitor their sustainment assets and supply stocks, especially if they cannot be
  resupplied for an extended period. Leader’s conserve and centrally control available resources. A commander
  may force units on the perimeter to cease all vehicle movement to allocate remaining fuel assets to the reserve.
  The senior commander within an encirclement retains essential sustainment capabilities to sustain the defense
  under the control of a senior sustainment operator or commander. When possible, that commander positions
  these units and their assets beyond the reach of potential penetrations in protected and concealed locations.
  The senior commander may incorporate other sustainment units into defensive positions in depth or around
  key facilities. A commander may choose to augment maneuver units with non-maneuver Soldiers, although
  this action may affect the non-maneuver (sustainment) capabilities of the encircled force.
  C-72. Casualty evacuation and mortuary affairs pose challenges for an encircled force. The unit evacuates
  wounded from the encirclement whenever possible for humanitarian reasons. This also reduces the burden
  of providing long-term medical care to wounded Soldiers.
  C-73. Soldiers have an inherent fear of encirclement by enemy forces. Unchecked, this fear can lead to a
  degradation in morale and discipline. When encircled, Soldiers under the firm control of their leaders can
  withstand the mental strain. Discipline can disintegrate rapidly in an encirclement. Officers and
  noncommissioned officers must uphold the highest standards of discipline. Their personal conduct sets the
  example. Encircled Soldiers need to see their senior commander and other leaders frequently. Leaders at all
  levels need to display a calm and confident manner. Soldiers in an encirclement must not regard their situation
  as desperate or hopeless. Commanders and leaders at all levels maintain the confidence of Soldiers by resolute
  action and a positive attitude. They must keep their Soldiers informed to suppress rumors and counter enemy
  propaganda.