All round defence
All-around defence[1] and perimeter defence[2] are synonyms for one category of the (relative) positioning of defensive fighting positions that are supposed to give military units and sub-units the ability "to repel an attack from any direction by being organized or sited for all round defence".[3] This defence can be used by military units from squad up.[citation needed]
This defence is adopted so that the unit is capable of observing all ground and directing fire onto the observed ground.[citation needed]
Definition
This defence can be defined as "a defence without an exposed flank, consisting of forces deployed along the perimeter of the defended area".[4]
Positioning of the outer defensive fighting positions
The positioning of the outer defensive fighting positions—relative to each other—of a platoon, can be traced as "circular or triangular rather than linear",[5] from a bird's-eye view.
In a circle
One version of a specific type[citation needed] of layout of fighting positions, consists of soldiers forming a wide circle around the soldier in charge (and radioman etc.) with a spacing typically of 3–4 metres between each person (on the circle's circumference). In situations with more than one platoon or squad, more than one all round defence will typically[citation needed] be formed about 20 metres away from each other. It is a useful[citation needed] formation because it allows a full 360° arc of fire, and because everybody is spread out, if the formation is attacked, by direct or indirect fire, the formation will minimise casualties.
Without cover
When a group of soldiers relocate as a part of a defensive operation, a perimeter defence can be temporarily maintained without cover.
This defence is typically used in any[citation needed] situation where a small unit would need to regroup—including after an attack.
See also
References
- ^ The term "all-around defense" used in a newspaper in 1944
- ^ http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/FM%203-21.8%20%20The%20Infantry%20Rifle%20Platoon%20and%20Squad_5.pdf "8-133. A perimeter defense allows the defending force to orient in all directions."
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2012-04-27.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ http://www.answers.com/topic/perimeter-defense
- ^ http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/FM%203-21.8%20%20The%20Infantry%20Rifle%20Platoon%20and%20Squad_5.pdf "The trace of the platoon is circular or triangular rather than linear"