Delaying actions

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This block is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.

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.