text: Fire Support in Depth During Large-Scale Combat Operations
  * Positioning observers forward and along the flanks of both the fixing and striking force to observe
  and execute priority targets.
  * Employing UA forward of advancing units to detect and identify enemy elements at the earliest
  possible time and to locate targets in designated TAIs.
  * Monitor WLR acquisitions for indications of mine emplacement by the enemy.
  * Integrate reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting acquisition with the fixing force to slow and
  disorganize repositioning and withdrawing enemy forces.
  * Coordinate and synchronize joint FS with SOF and the air component.
  RETROGRADE
  6-53. The retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the
  enemy (ADP 3-90). An enemy may force these operations, or a commander may execute them voluntarily.
  In either case, the higher echelon commander of a force executing a retrograde must approve the retrograde
  operation before its initiation. A retrograde is a transitional operation. It is not conducted in isolation. It is
  part of a larger scheme of maneuver designed to regain the initiative and defeat the enemy.
  6-54. The three forms of the retrograde are delay, withdrawal, and retirement. In delays, units yield ground
  to gain time while retaining flexibility and freedom of action to inflict the maximum damage on an enemy.
  Withdrawing units, whether all or part of a committed force, voluntarily disengage from an enemy to preserve
  the force or release it for a new mission. A withdraw is to disengage from an enemy force and move in a
  direction away from the enemy (ADP 3-90). A withdrawal is the riskiest of all operations. Deception
  operations can reduce this operational risk. A retirement is when a force out of contact moves away from the
  enemy (ADP 3-90). In each form of the retrograde, a force not engaged with an enemy moves to another
  location, normally by a tactical road march. In all retrograde operations, firm control of friendly maneuver
  elements is a prerequisite for success.
  Fire Support Planning and Tasks for the Delay
  6-55. Initially, position FS assets well forward to exploit range. Prepare a plan of interdiction fires covering
  main hostile avenues of approach. Later position assets in depth to provide maximum continuous fires. EFSTs
  for a delay are as follows:
  * Place fires on barriers and natural obstacles.
  * Emplace obstacles with scatterable mines.
  * Utilize fires to support strongpoints.
  * Provide fires to cover and screen withdrawals. Use smoke extensively.
  * Provide fires in support of hasty counterattacks.
  * Engage enemy forces congested behind obstacles or minefields and to slow breaching attempts.
  * Use fires to attack enemy forces that have breached the obstacles.
  * Provide fires to assist maneuver in disengagement.
  * Provide maximum continuous fire for maneuver forces as they displace to the rear.
  * Provide mass fires to slow the enemy as they deploy to concentrate for attack of friendly delay
  positions.
  6-56. The FS planning aspects of a withdrawal are very similar to those of a delay, as the FSCOORD must
  plan for a withdrawal under pressure. The enemy must be forced to slow down as they concentrate their
  forces. Because enemy maneuver units are moving while this occurs, the use of joint precision effects against
  HPTs is essential. Deep fires are used in relieving pressure on units in contact with the enemy.
  6-57. A retirement is a retrograde operation in which a force that is not engaged with the enemy conducts a
  tactical movement to the rear. FA units are integrated with the maneuver units. They are given a GS support
  relationship with on-order missions of DS to their organic units. EFSTs in a withdrawal are as follows:
  * Mask the movement of friendly forces with smoke.
  * Use fires to slow the enemy.
  * Cover obstacles with fire and observation.