text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 4
  TYPES OF DEFENSIVE ACTION
  4-88. The types of defensive action in OPFOR doctrine are both tactical
  methods and guides to the design of operational courses of action. The two
  basic types are maneuver and area defense. An operational-level defensive
  plan may include subordinate units that are executing various combinations
  of maneuver and area defenses, along with some offensive courses of action,
  within the overall defensive mission framework.
  MANEUVER DEFENSE
  4-89. In situations where the OPFOR is not completely overmatched, it
  may conduct an operational maneuver defense. This type of defense is
  designed to achieve operational decision by skillfully using fires and
  maneuver to destroy key components of the enemy’s combat system and
  deny enemy forces their objective, while preserving the friendly force.
  Maneuver defenses cause the enemy to continually lose effectiveness until
  he can no longer achieve his objectives. They can also economize force in
  less important areas while the OPFOR moves additional forces onto the
  most threatened axes.
  4-90. Maneuver defenses are almost always integrated defenses. Decentralized
  maneuver defenses typically occur as part of transition operations. As an
  extraregional enemy builds combat power to overmatch levels, but before
  the OPFOR is completely overmatched, maneuver defense can buy time
  for other forces to move into sanctuary areas and prepare for adaptive
  operations.
  4-91. Even within a maneuver defense, the OPFOR may use area defense on
  some enemy attack axes, especially on those where it can least afford to lose
  ground. (See Figure 4-1.) An operational-level commander may use both
  forms of defense simultaneously across the theater. A command may employ
  maneuver defense techniques to conduct operations in the disruption zone if
  it enhances the attack on the enemy’s combat system and an area defense in
  the battle zone.
  Method
  4-92. Maneuver defense inflicts losses on the enemy, gains time, and protects
  friendly forces. It allows the operational defender to choose the place and
  time for engagements. Each portion of a maneuver defense allows a
  continuing attack on the enemy’s combat system. As the system begins to
  disaggregate, more elements are vulnerable to destruction. The maneuver
  defense accomplishes this through a succession of defensive battles in
  conjunction with short, violent counterattacks and fires. It allows
  abandoning some areas of terrain when responding to an unexpected enemy
  attack or when conducting the battle in the disruption zone. In the course
  of a maneuver defense, the operational-level commander tries to force the
  enemy into a situation that exposes enemy formations to destruction. See
  Figures 4-4 and 4-5 for examples of maneuver defense.