Defensive synchronization is the process of arranging military actions in time, space, and purpose in order to achieve various objectives, such as to produce maximum relative combative power, to gain time, and to concentrate forces elsewhere (van Bezooijen, Essens, & Vogelaar, 2006). Commanders conduct defensive synchronization to counter enemies, to disrupt enemy movements, conceal their operations, and to retain tactical, strategic, or political objectives. Their ability to synchronize their operations greatly improves the probability of a successful defense.
Commanders can achieve defensive synchronization in many ways. Some of these ways include: (I) disrupting attacks by employing strategies that desynchronize an enemy’s force preparations, (II) establishing plans that anticipate enemy action, (III) maneuvering against the enemy forces, (IV) reconstituting their reserve, (V) planning and preparing units before attacking enemy forces, and (VI) securing their forces through the provision of security for civilians and infrastructure (ADRP 3-90, 2012).
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
For instance, if the enemy is utilizing nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) weapons to cause casualties, a commander can protect his force by countering any tactical advantage the enemy can achieve. If the enemy contaminates terrain, a commander can synchronize the defense of their forces by preparing his forces to cross that contamination or by finding alternative routes. In cases where the enemy uses biological or chemical weapons, a commander must retaliate to force the attacker into a similar posture. Depending on the scenario, commanders can use different tactics to achieve defense synchronization. The successful defending force must be better prepared to be successful on the battlefield (van Bezooijen, Essens, & Vogelaar, 2006).
References
Van Bezooije, B., Essens, P., & Vogelaar, A. (2006). Military self-synchronization: An explanation of the concept. In Proc. 11th International Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium.
ADRP 3-90. Offense and Defense. Army Doctrine Reference Publication. No. 3-90.
