12/3/2023 0 Comments Retrograde motion example![]() Sherman intended to follow with his main force and either envelope Johnston or strike his flank during a retreat. Forces that Sherman sent four miles to the southwest on another turning movement crossed the river on 15 May, although they did not break out from their bridgehead on that day. However, the right flank of the Union army moved within cannon range of the bridges. May 14th and 15th saw attacks around Resaca, with neither side gaining a marked advantage. Johnston positioned the three corps-then constituting his army-to defend Resaca as they arrived on 13 May. At Resaca were three bridges that supported the Confederate's line of communication with the logistics base at Atlanta. Johnston intended to hold at Resaca until he could cross his entire force over the Oostanaula River to its southern bank. Forced to withdraw from his initial positions at Dalton because of a turning movement around his left flank by two Union corps, Johnston raced to position his forces to defend Resaca, Georgia. Union forces began the campaign on 5 May with an advance from positions southeast of Chattanooga. Johnston's campaign strategy was to force Sherman to culminate before reaching Atlanta, conserving his army's strength until he crippled the Union army in a defensive battle, and then launch a counteroffensive. Johnston faced 110,000 Union soldiers, organized into seven corps under MG William T. ![]() Johnston and his 55,000-man Army of Tennessee had the mission of defending Atlanta. Confederate actions at Resaca early in the campaign will be used to illustrate an unassisted withdrawal under enemy pressure. This part of the campaign contains examples of successful delays, withdrawals, and retirements. Between 5 May and 17 July, Johnston held Sherman to an average gain of one mile a day while preserving his freedom of maneuver and his army for future operations. The first two months of the Atlanta campaign illustrate the successful conduct of a delay in the face of superior forces. The following historical example illustrates how conducting a retrograde operation can preserve an army for future operations. FM 4-100.9 establishes the basic principles of reconstitution. After completing a retrograde operation, the commander may reconstitute the force. By planning and efficiently executing the retrograde and ensuring that soldiers understand the purpose and duration of the operation, the commander can counter any negative effects of the operation on unit morale. Leaders must maintain unit aggressiveness. A commander must not allow retrograde operations to reduce or destroy unit morale. Retrogrades can negatively affect the participating soldiers' attitude more than any other type of operation because they may view the retrograde as a defeat. ( Chapter 3 discusses combat formations Chapter 14 discusses troop movement.) The commander may use all three forms singularly or in combination with other types and forms of offensive or defensive operations.ġ1-3. In each form, a force moves to the rear, using combinations of combat formations and marches. The three forms of retrograde are delay, withdrawal, and retirement. Position the force where it can safely conduct reconstitution.Īdjust the defensive scheme, such as secure more favorable terrain.ġ1-2. Simplify the logistic sustainment of the force by shortening LOCs. Position the force for use elsewhere in other missions. Reposition forces to more favorable locations or conform to movements of other friendly troops. Preserve the force or avoid combat under undesirable conditions, such as continuing an operation that no longer promises success. Resist, exhaust, and damage an enemy in situations that do not favor a defense.ĭraw the enemy into an unfavorable situation or extend his lines of communication (LOCs). Gain time without fighting a decisive engagement. Planning a Withdrawal Preparing a Withdrawal Executing a Withdrawal Terminating a Withdrawal Retirement Organization of Forces Control Measures Combat Service Support Unique Retrograde Situations Denial Operations Stay-Behind Operationsġ1-1. Historical Example Delay Organization of Forces Control Measures Plan Prepare Execute Termination of a Delay Withdrawal Organization of Forces Control Measures ![]() Retrograde operations are transitional operations they are not considered in isolation. In either case, the higher commander of the force executing the operation must approve the retrograde. The enemy may force these operations or a commander may execute them voluntarily. ![]() The retrograde is a type of defensive operation that involves organized movement away from the enemy ( FM 3-0). Chapter 11 The Retrograde The withdrawal should be thought of as an offensive instrument, and exercises framed to teach how the enemy can be lured into a trap, closed by a counter-stroke or a devastating circle of fire. ![]()
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