text: Retrograde
  DELAY
  11-13. A delay is when a force under pressure trades space for time by slowing down the enemy’s
  momentum and inflicting maximum damage on enemy forces without becoming decisively engaged
  (ADP 3-90). A delay is one of the most demanding of all ground combat operations. A delay wears down
  enemy forces so that friendly forces can regain the initiative through offensive action, buys time to establish
  an effective defense, or determines enemy intentions as part of a security operation. Normally in a delay,
  inflicting casualties on enemy forces is secondary to gaining time. For example, a flank security force
  conducts a delay operation to provide time for the protected force to establish a viable defense along its
  threatened flank. A force conducting a delay normally avoids a decisive engagement except when preventing
  enemy penetration of a phase line for a specific duration.
  11-14. A delay operation can occur when units do not have enough forces to attack or defend. It may also
  occur, based on a unit’s mission, in conjunction with a higher echelon commander’s intent. Commanders
  may base their decision to conduct a delay not on the unit’s combat power, but on other mission variables.
  For example, during security operations, units may conduct a delay as a supporting effort to draw enemy
  forces into an area where they are vulnerable to a friendly counterattack. Another example is a delay instituted
  as an economy of force effort to allow units to conduct offensive actions elsewhere.
  11-15. The ability of a force to trade maneuver space for time requires depth within the delaying force’s
  assigned area. The amount of depth required depends on several factors, including the—
  * Amount of time to be gained.
  * Relative combat power of friendly and enemy forces.
  * Relative mobility of the forces.
  * Nature of the terrain.
  * Ability to shape the assigned area with obstacles and fires.
  * Degree of acceptable risk.
  Ordinarily, the greater the depth, the lower the risk involved to the delaying force and the greater the chance
  for success.
  11-16. A delay succeeds by causing enemy forces to fight through a series of defensive positions. A
  delaying force must offer a continued threat of serious opposition, causing enemy forces to repeatedly deploy
  and maneuver. Delaying forces displace to subsequent positions before enemy forces are able to concentrate
  sufficient resources to decisively engage and defeat delaying forces in their current position. The length of
  time a force can remain in a position without facing the danger of decisive engagement is primarily a function
  of relative combat power and the mission variables, such as terrain and weather.
  11-17. Commanders normally assign subordinate units contiguous assigned areas deeper than they are wide.
  They use obstacles, implement fires, and move throughout the depth of each assigned area. If units plan the
  delay to last a short time or the assigned area’s depth is limited, the delaying unit may need to delay from a
  single set of positions. If units expect the delay to last for a longer period, or if sufficient depth is available,
  the delaying unit may delay using either an alternating or subsequent bounding technique to execute the
  delay.
  11-18. In both techniques, delaying forces normally reconnoiter their next positions before occupying them
  and, if possible, post guides at their next position. Additionally, in executing both techniques, it is critical
  that the delaying force maintains contact with enemy forces between delay positions. Table 11-1 on page
  11-4 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of these two techniques.