Delaying actions
The purpose of delaying actions is to trade space for time without becoming decisively engaged.
Elements conducting a delay do not seek to hold ground. Instead, they engage the enemy briefly to slow movement, force deployment, and disrupt momentum before repositioning.
Key characteristics of a delaying action:
- Ground is conceded deliberately.
- Engagements are short and controlled.
- The enemy is forced to pause, reorganise, or redeploy.
- Element cohesion and freedom of movement are preserved.
A delay often transitions into a fighting retreat, defence in depth, or a counter‑attack once conditions become favourable.
