Which defense is designed to delay and reposition the forces by counterattacking?

Which defense is designed to delay and reposition the forces by counterattacking?

• A. Retrograde Defense
• B. Area Defense
• C. Mobile Defense
• D. Pursuit

Answer: (C)

Mobile Defense relies on delaying actions combined with rapid, maneuver-based counterattacks to regain the initiative and reposition forces. The idea is not to hold a static position but to use tempo—slow the enemy, absorb his blows, then strike back with mobile forces to disrupt his rhythm and force him to react. The counterattacks are essential; they turn a delay into a strategic opportunity to shift the battlefield and prepare for a new line or disposition. Retrograde defense focuses on withdrawing and delaying to shorten lines and reposition, not on launching counterattacks to regain terrain. Area defense aims to hold a specific location, often with fixed positions, rather than reorienting the fight through counterattacks. Pursuit is about actively chasing a retreating force to destroy it, not about delaying and repositioning during the defense.

Mobile Defense relies on delaying actions combined with rapid, maneuver-based counterattacks to regain the initiative and reposition forces. The idea is not to hold a static position but to use tempo—slow the enemy, absorb his blows, then strike back with mobile forces to disrupt his rhythm and force him to react. The counterattacks are essential; they turn a delay into a strategic opportunity to shift the battlefield and prepare for a new line or disposition.

Retrograde defense focuses on withdrawing and delaying to shorten lines and reposition, not on launching counterattacks to regain terrain. Area defense aims to hold a specific location, often with fixed positions, rather than reorienting the fight through counterattacks. Pursuit is about actively chasing a retreating force to destroy it, not about delaying and repositioning during the defense.