text: Retrograde
  Planning a Withdrawal
  11-80. Commanders plan and coordinate a withdrawal in the same manner as a delay, although some
  mission variables apply differently between a delay and a withdrawal. A withdrawal always begins under the
  threat of enemy interference. Because the force is most vulnerable if the enemy force attacks, commanders
  always plan for a withdrawal under pressure. They then develop contingencies for a withdrawal without
  pressure. In both cases, their main considerations are to—
  * Plan a deliberate break from the enemy force.
  * Displace the main body rapidly, free of enemy interference.
  * Safeguard the withdrawal routes.
  * Retain sufficient maneuver and functional and multifunctional support and sustainment
  capabilities throughout the operation to support forces in contact with the enemy force.
  11-81. A withdrawal may be assisted or unassisted. It may or may not take place under enemy pressure.
  These two factors combined produce the four techniques shown in figure 11-6. The figure also depicts the
  tactical mission symbols for a withdrawal and a withdrawal under enemy pressure.
  Figure 11-6. Withdrawal techniques
  11-82. Commanders prefer to conduct a withdrawal while not under pressure and without assistance. An
  assisting unit requires commanders to add additional coordination and prompt unit actions. In a withdrawal
  under enemy pressure, all units withdraw simultaneously when available routes allow, using the tactics of a
  delay to fight their way to the rear. When the simultaneous withdrawal of all forces is not practical,
  commanders decide the order of withdrawal. Several factors influence their decision, including—
  * Subsequent missions.
  * Availability of transportation assets and routes.
  * Disposition of friendly and enemy forces.
  * Level and nature of enemy pressure.
  * Degree of urgency associated with the withdrawal.
  11-83. Commanders must make three interrelated key decisions: when to start the movement of selected
  functional and multifunctional support and sustainment elements, when to start displacing forward elements,
  and when to start the security force’s disengagement operations. Commanders avoid premature actions that
  indicate a withdrawal to enemy forces. They anticipate enemy means of interference and plan for employing
  security forces, lethal and nonlethal capabilities, and air assets.