text: Chapter 11
  Retrograde
  This chapter discusses the retrograde and its general considerations. It then discusses
  the three variations of the retrograde: delay, withdrawal, and retirement.
  GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE RETROGRADE
  11-1. A retrograde is organized movement away from the enemy. It may be forced by enemy actions, or it
  may be made voluntarily. In either case, the higher echelon commander of the force must approve the
  retrograde prior to execution. The three variations of the retrograde are delay, withdrawal, and retirement.
  Units may execute retrogrades to—
  * Transition to other operations.
  * Gain time without becoming decisively engaged.
  * Resist, exhaust, and damage an enemy force in situations that do not favor a defense.
  * Draw enemy forces into an unfavorable situation or extend the enemy’s LOCs.
  * Preserve the force or avoid combat under undesirable conditions, such as continuing an operation
  that no longer promises success.
  * Reposition forces to conform to movements of other friendly troops.
  * Position the force for use elsewhere in other missions.
  * Simplify sustainment of the force by shortening LOCs.
  * Position the force where it can safely conduct reconstitution.
  * Adjust the defensive scheme to secure terrain more favorable to the defense.
  * Deceive enemy forces.
  11-2. Leaders ensure Soldiers remain disciplined and aggressive during retrograde operations to preserve
  unit morale. Additionally, units can counter any negative effects on morale by planning and efficiently
  executing the retrograde and ensuring Soldiers understand their task, purpose, and the duration of the
  operation. Retrogrades can negatively affect Soldiers’ morale more than any other type of operation because
  they may view a retrograde as a defeat. After completing a retrograde operation, commanders may
  reconstitute their forces.
  11-3. Military police conduct security and mobility support to preserve the retrograde force’s freedom of
  movement. They augment supporting military forces by establishing traffic control posts and enable route
  and convoy security. Military police also provide support through the execution of detainee operations.
  11-4. The extended frontages and ranges common to retrograde operations make the provision of fire support
  difficult and limit the ability to mass fires. Therefore, retrograde forces, especially delay forces, often have
  more fire support assets. Commanders’ risk of losing supporting artillery systems and their ammunition
  stocks increases when conducting retrograde operations. Therefore, they balance their decision to commit
  fire support systems forward against anticipated requirements in subsequent battle stages. In particular, units
  take steps to protect their artillery systems against the direct fires of mobile enemy elements. Units can use
  available rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft to augment or replace artillery systems.
  11-5. During a retrograde, sustainment units echelon their movements to maintain adequate support to the
  committed force. They maintain maximum dispersion consistent with control and local security. They aim to
  provide uninterrupted support and maximum protection during the time it takes to conduct the retrograde
  operation. By echeloning support, units reduce the time each sustainment unit spends moving, preventing it
  from performing its primary support tasks. High-priority assets may require added protection to prevent their
  loss or capture. To reduce congestion and interference with the operations of combat, functional and