text: Defense
  Figure 7-17. Mobile defense, committed striking force
  RETROGRADE
  7-175. A retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the
  enemy (ADP3-90). The enemy may force the retrograde or a commander may execute it voluntarily. The
  three variations of the retrograde are: delay,withdraw,and retirement.
  DELAY
  7-176. 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
  (ADP3-90). Delays allow units to yield ground to gain time while retaining flexibility and freedom of action
  to inflict the maximum damage on the enemy. The methods are delay from successive positions and delay
  from alternate positions. The BCT conducts the delay by using one or a combination of the two methods. The
  method selected depends on the width of the front,the terrain,the forces available,the enemy,and the amount
  of time required of the delay. In either method,a mobility advantage over the enemy is required.
  Delay from Successive Positions
  7-177. A delay from successive positions involves fighting rearward from one position to the next,holding
  each as long as possible orfor a specified time (figure 7-18on page 7-50). In this type of delay,all maneuver
  battalions are committed on each of the BCT delay positions or across the area of operations on the same PL.
  The BCT commander uses a delay from successive positions when an area of operations is so wide that
  available forces cannot occupy more than a single line of positions. The disadvantages of this delay are lack
  of depth,less time to prepare successive positions,and the possibility of gaps between units.