Strategic Decision Making: Transitioning from Offensive to Defensive

摘要

THE SOUND OF AIR HORNS AND RADIO transmissions initiating the transition from an offensive to a defensive strategy is not the sound of defeat; it is a deliberate strategic maneuver to limit the damage being done to the smallest area possible. This transition should not be a haphazard, leave-equip-ment-behind, free-for-all to get out of the building. When it is time to pull the plug on an offensive operation, command must aim for a safe, protocol-driven transition designed to limit the time lag between getting everyone out and the onset of defensive-oriented tactics. First, let's look at transition cues and then address the steps of initiating, preparing for, and executing that transition.