text: Mobile Defense
  Figure 10-2. Organization of forces for a mobile defense
  10-7. A fixing force is a force designated to supplement the striking force by preventing the enemy from
  moving from a specific area for a specific time. The fixing force is used to hold attacking enemy forces in
  position, by canalizing attacking enemy forces into engagement areas, and to retain areas from which to
  launch the striking force. A fixing force is organized with the minimum combat power needed to accomplish
  its mission. The fixing force turns, blocks, and delays an attacking enemy force. It tries to shape an enemy
  penetration or contain an enemy force’s advance. Typically, it has most of the countermobility assets of the
  defending unit. The fixing force may conduct defensive actions over considerable depth within the MBA.
  However, it must be prepared to stop and hold terrain on short notice to assist the striking force on its
  commitment. The operations of the fixing force establish the conditions for a decisive attack by the striking
  force at a favorable location. The fixing force sets the condition for the striking force. The fixing force
  executes its portion of the defense by combining an area defense and a delaying action.
  10-8. The striking force is a dedicated counterattack force in a mobile defense constituted with the bulk of
  available combat power. The commander’s most critical decisions are when, where, and under what
  conditions they should commit the striking force. The striking force contains the maximum combat power
  available to commanders at the time of its counterattack. This is the main effort for the unit during the mobile
  defense. The striking force is a combined arms force that has greater combat power and mobility than the
  force it seeks to defeat or destroy. Units consider the effects of surprise when determining the relative combat
  power of their striking forces and their targeted enemy units. The striking force is normally task-organized
  with all support and sustainment assets before its commitment. Units should position mobility enhancing
  assets near the lead elements of their striking forces.
  10-9. A striking force is the key to a successful mobile defense. All its contingencies relate to its attack. If
  the opportunity does not exist to commit the striking force, the defending unit repositions forces to establish
  the conditions for success. The striking force must have mobility equal to or greater than that of its targeted