ADP 3-90, page 66

Chapter 4 4-6 ADP 3-90 31 July 2019 on most of these FSCMs. See FM 3-52 for discussions on airspace coordination areas.) Commanders can also designate final protective fire (FPF). Final protective fire is an immediately available, prearranged barrier of fire designed to impede enemy movement across defensive lines or areas (JP 3-09.3). FORWARD EDGE OF THE BATTLE AREA 4-31. The forward edge of the battle area is the foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units, excluding areas in which covering or screening forces are operating (JP 3-09.3). The Army uses a FEBA only during the defense. The FEBA is not a boundary, but it conveys the commander’s intent. The FEBA shows the senior commander’s planned limit for the effects of direct fires. It marks the foremost limits of the areas in which most ground combat units deploy, excluding the areas in which security forces are operating. MBA forces can temporarily move forward of the FEBA to expedite the retrograde operations of security forces. Commanders designate a FEBA to coordinate fire support and to help in the maneuver of subordinate forces. A phase line designating the forward most point of the MBA indicates the FEBA. Defending units must address this area in their scheme of maneuver and exchange information regarding tactical plans at contact points. (See figure 4-1.) Figure 4-1. Defensive arrangement FORWARD LINE OF OWN TROOPS 4-32. The forward line of own troops is a line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly forces in any kind of military operation at a specific time (JP 3-03). The FLOT normally identifies the forward location of covering or screening forces. In the defense, it may be beyond, at, or short of the FEBA. It does not apply to small, long-range reconnaissance assets and similar stay-behind forces. Friendly forces forward of the FLOT may have a restrictive FSCMs, such as a restrictive fire area, placed around them to prevent friendly fire incidents. MAIN BATTLE AREA 4-33. The main battle area is the area where the commander intends to deploy the bulk of the unit’s combat power and conduct decisive operations to defeat an attacking enemy. A defending commander’s major advantage is the ability to select the ground on which the battle takes place. The natural defensive strength of a position determines the distribution of forces in relation to both frontage and depth. Defending