text: Appendix C
  Figure C-5. Wedge technique
  Escape Route Technique
  C-26. The escape route technique involves leaving one or more gaps in the inner encircling arm to entice
  enemy forces to attempt a breakout. Once an enemy force starts moving and is no longer sheltered in
  defensive positions, that moving enemy force is more vulnerable to acquisition, attack, and destruction. A
  unit using this technique should integrate military information support operations with constant offensive
  action to demoralize the escaping enemy force.
  C-27. The negative aspect of these techniques is that they require considerable forces and supplies, which
  are not always available. Therefore, at times the encircling force has to limit itself to less decisive measures.
  These include temporarily containing or fixing bypassed enemy forces until resources become available to
  enable the encircling force to destroy the enemy force. Continued isolation of the encircled force can only be
  guaranteed when the enemy force cannot strengthen its forces by inserting additional units and supplies by
  air. Even total, long-term isolation does not necessarily lead to decisive defeat of an encircled enemy. It is a
  temporary measure designed to provide additional time to the attacking force.
  DEFENDING ENCIRCLED
  C-28. Encirclement of a friendly force is likely to occur during highly mobile and fluid operations or when
  operating in restrictive terrain. Unit offensive actions may result in encirclement. Likewise, encirclements
  may occur when units employ detachments left in contact. Units anticipate becoming encircled when assigned
  stay-behind missions or when occupying either a strong point or a combat outpost. Units make appropriate
  preparations in these situations.
  C-29. If a unit finds itself encircled, they immediately form a perimeter defense which can evolve into
  defending an encirclement. If this happens, distinct tactics exist for the encircled force. An encircled force
  has the following options: continue to defend encircled, conduct a breakout, exfiltrate toward other friendly
  forces, or attack deeper into enemy-controlled territory. Once encircled, the unit’s form of maneuver depends
  on the senior commander’s intent and mission variables, including the—
  * Availability of defensible terrain.
  * Relative combat power of friendly and enemy forces.
  * Sustainment status of the encircled force and its ability to be resupplied, including the ability to
  treat and evacuate wounded Soldiers.