text: Retrograde
  committed to each of the series of BPs or across the assigned area on the same PL. Most of the delaying force
  is located well forward. The mission dictates the delay from one BP or PL to the next. Units stagger the
  movement of delaying elements so that elements are not moving at the same time. Figure 11-2 illustrates a
  delay from subsequent positions.
  Figure 11-2. Delay from subsequent positions
  Organization of Forces
  11-21. Units normally organize the delaying force into a main body, a security force, and a reserve. The
  security force usually conducts a screen forward of the initial delay positions.
  11-22. The main body, which contains the majority of the delaying force’s combat power, uses alternating
  or subsequent bounds to conduct the delay. Commanders usually deploy their main bodies as complete units
  into forward positions when conducting a delay from subsequent positions. They divide the main body into
  two parts, roughly equal in combat power, to occupy each set of positions when conducting a delay using
  alternating bounds.
  11-23. Commanders retain a reserve to contain enemy penetrations between positions, to reinforce fires into
  engagement areas, or to help a unit disengage from enemy forces. All these missions require a reserve with
  enough combat power and mobility to attack the enemy ensuring its reaction to the attack.
  11-24. Functional and multifunctional support and sustainment assets are widely dispersed and often
  attached to the units they support because of the width of the assigned areas normally assigned in a delay.
  Engineer priorities are normally countermobility first, then mobility. However, restrictive terrain that
  impedes friendly movement may require units to reverse priorities. Close coordination is necessary so
  engineer obstacles are covered by fire and do not impede planned withdrawal routes of delaying forces or the
  commitment of a counterattacking reserve force. The delaying force should have a greater allocation of fire
  support systems, including Service and joint aviation, to enable the delay force to break contact if necessary.
  11-25. The requirement to maintain continuous support during the delay requires sustainment organizations
  to echelon their assets throughout the area. This echeloning, coupled with the wide dispersion of combat
  forces inherent in a delay, complicates the execution of the delay.