ADP 3-90, page 68

Chapter 4 4-8 ADP 3-90 31 July 2019 4-41. The common defensive planning considerations addressed in paragraphs 4-42 through 4-110 apply to all types of defensive operations. These considerations are in addition to those common offensive planning considerations introduced in chapter 3, when appropriately modified for the defense. Defensive synchronization is normally the result of detailed planning and preparation among the various units participating in defensive operations. While these activities may be separated in time and space, they are synchronized if enemy forces feel their combined consequences decisive times and places. The defense is a mix of static and dynamic actions. As an operation evolves, the defending commander prepares to shift main and supporting efforts and keep an enemy force off balance. COMMAND AND CONTROL 4-42. The command and control considerations for the offense discussed in paragraphs 3-42 through 3-55 also apply to the defense. The commander’s intent and mission determine the concept of operations, scheme of maneuver, and allocation of available resources and priorities. 4-43. Important command and control principles include mission orders, disciplined initiative, and commander’s intent. Mission orders are the commander’s directives that emphasize the results to be attained, not how they are to be achieved. Disciplined initiative is action in the absence of orders to react to the enemy’s unforeseen actions, a new or more serious threat, or an opportunity that offers a greater chance of success than the original COA. Commanders rely on their subordinates to take their own initiative to adjust to the new situation and achieve their commander’s intent. The commander’s intent defines the limits within which subordinates may exercise their initiative. It gives subordinates the confidence to apply their judgment in ambiguous situations because they know the mission’s purpose, key tasks, and desired end state. 4-44. A defensive mission generally imposes few restrictions on a defending commander. It allows freedom of maneuver within assigned boundaries, but it requires commanders to prevent enemy penetration of their rear boundary. Defending an AO is a typical mission for battalion and higher-echelon units. This mission allows commanders to distribute forces to advantageously use the terrain and plan engagement areas that integrate direct and indirect fires. Commanders ensure that subordinate unit defensive plans are compatible and that control measures, such as contact points and phase lines, are sufficient for flank and rear coordination when assigning AOs. The defensive plan addresses what happens when friendly forces succeed and gain an opportunity to transition from defensive operations to offensive operations. 4-45. Because an enemy force has the initiative, the defending commander frequently has to shift main and supporting efforts within the unit’s shaping operations to contain the enemy’s attack until the defending force can seize the initiative. This may require the commander to adjust subordinate unit AOs, repeatedly commit and reconstitute the reserve, and modify the original plan. 4-46. Commanders may change task organization to respond to an existing or a projected situation, such as forming a detachment left in contact before conducting a withdrawal. Commanders of recently reorganized units place special attention on ensuring that each element understands the unit’s overall mission. This requires commanders to ensure that objectives are synchronized and subordinates understand their control measures, movement routes, defensive positions, fire support plans, and specifically assigned tasks. It also requires specifying the standard operating procedures that each element of a task-organized unit employs. Synchronizing and integrating task-organized elements results in more effective employment of available combat power. 4-47. An enemy force often attacks along the boundaries of defending units to break through the MBA. Therefore, it is extremely important for commanders at every echelon to ensure their defense is properly coordinated with flanking and supporting units. When possible, commanders coordinate through personal visits to subordinate commanders on the ground. Their staffs rapidly transmit coordination decisions to all concerned. 4-48. Since command posts and communications nodes tend to be relatively static in the defense, commanders place them in hardened areas or protective terrain to reduce their electronic and visual signatures. Command posts remain capable of rapidly relocating in response to battlefield developments. 4-49. As with the offense, commanders conduct information operations to support the defense. Through their scheme of information operations, commanders establish objectives in the information environment and