All round defence

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All-around defense[1] and perimeter defense[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 defense can be used by military units from squad up.[citation needed]

This defense is adopted so that the unit is capable of observing all ground and directing fire onto the observed ground.[citation needed]

Definition

This defense can be defined as "a defense 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

File:All round defence.jpg
Using one's body to shield others, is not a defining characteristic of perimeter defense.—Kneeling soldiers are more exposed to incoming artillery- or gunfire, than prostrate ones—but they have a better view of the perimeter, and a relative ease of evacuation. (The fireteam is from Norwegian Army 2nd Battalion.)

When a group of soldiers relocate as a part of a defensive operation, a perimeter defense can be temporarily maintained without cover.

This defense is typically used in any[citation needed] situation where a small unit would need to regroup—including after an attack.

See also

References

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External links

  1. The term "all-around defense" used in a newspaper in 1944
  2. 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."
  3. http://www.jdfmil.org/JDFMembers/mil_sym/military_terms.pdf
  4. http://www.answers.com/topic/perimeter-defense
  5. 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"