Figure 3-1. Synchronization of the battlefield operating system
to slow and direct the flow of enemy forces into the division area of operations. Figure 3-2, page 3-4,
depicts heavy maneuver forces on the battlefield.
(b) Heavy maneuver forces are particularly appropriate as reserves because their mobility
and firepower allow them to be used to strike the enemy at the critical time and place to seize or regain
the initiative through destruction of the enemy force. They can also be used to stop sudden enemy
penetrations or incursions into the division rear. The division may commit heavy maneuver forces and
elements of its aviation brigade in support of its deep operations. Depending on the mission, responsive
artillery, engineer, intelligence, and combat service support (CSS) are necessary to support the
operation.
(2) Light forces. In the offense, light maneuver forces infiltrate at night to shape the
battlefield to allow heavy maneuver forces to close with and destroy the enemy. In the defense, light
maneuver brigades must be able to position battalions laterally and in depth to make the best use of
terrain. Light divisions employ attack helicopters and fire support to defeat the enemy. They require
additional artillery, engineer, antiarmor forces, and mobility augmentation when defending against
heavy enemy forces in open terrain. Light divisions concentrate on shaping the battlefield for enemy
destruction by antitank forces. Light forces will normally not be task organized below brigade level.
However, the light battalion can be
3-3
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