text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 4
  EXECUTING THE DEFENSE
  4-76. Successful execution depends on forces that understand their roles in
  the operation and can swiftly follow preparatory actions with implementation
  of the operation plan or rapid modifications to the plan, as the situation
  requires. A successful execution phase results in the culmination of the
  enemy’s offensive action. It ideally ends with transition to the offense in
  order to keep the enemy under pressure and destroy him completely. During
  adaptive operations against superior enemy force, however, a successful
  defense may end in a stalemate.
  4-77. A successful operational-level defense sets the military conditions for a
  return to the offense or a favorable political resolution of the conflict. The
  OPFOR may have to surrender territory to preserve forces. Territory can al-
  ways be recaptured, but the destruction of OPFOR operational formations
  threatens the survival of the State. Destruction of the protected force is
  unacceptable.
  4-78. Success criteria for an operational-level commander conducting an area
  or maneuver defense may include
  • Major combat formations remain intact.
  • The enemy is forced to withdraw or, at a minimum, forego offensive
  operations due to losses.
  • A stalemate allows theater- and national-level assets time to conduct
  attacks against enemy strategic centers of gravity.
  MAINTAIN CONTACT
  4-79. OPFOR operational-level commanders go to great lengths to maintain
  contact with enemy formations and headquarters that may influence theater
  operations. This includes rapid reconstitution of reconnaissance assets and
  forces.
  MODIFY THE PLAN WHEN NECESSARY
  4-80. The OPFOR is sensitive to the effects of mission dynamics and realizes
  that the enemy’s actions may well make the original mission of an OPFOR
  unit achievable, but completely irrelevant. As an example, an OSC assigned a
  mission to secure a critical area or facility may find that mission is not viable
  if the enemy conducts a major air insertion that threatens the overall defen-
  sive plan. Parts of that OSC may be called upon to initiate limited offensive
  action while the air insertion is still vulnerable.
  SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES
  4-81. The OPFOR places maximum emphasis on decentralized execution, ini-
  tiative, and adaptation. Subordinate units are expected to take advantage of
  fleeting opportunities so long as their actions are in concert with the purpose
  of the operational directive.