All-round defense

Fortification plan of the 16th century bastion fort , which had the ability to conduct a circular defense

All-round defense is a type of defense that is organized with the aim of long-term retention of positions ( strongholds , occupied areas, etc.) when repelling attacks from all possible directions and when the enemy is surrounded ^{[1] [2]} .

The defensive positions of military units should always include actions in the conditions of all- round defense ^[1] . The all-round defense of a company stronghold or battalion defense area is ensured by the advantageous location of battle formations on the ground and the organization of an appropriate fire system , providing for fire strips in the direction of the flanks and rear ^[1] . In addition, tasks for maneuvers or firing in the direction of the rear are prepared before the second echelon or reserve, additional communication courses (trenches) are arranged to occupy them during the battle, and additional rows of engineering barriers are set up in the rear and on the flanks of strong points ^{[1] [ 2]} . If we are talking about all- round defense in the regiment’s area, it is possible to organize counterattacks from the depths of their positions, the boundaries of obstruction at the joints with neighbors and in the intervals between strong points, the arrangement of cut-off positions , etc. ^[1]

In the armies of NATO countries in situations of positional combat operations, platoon / company strongholds and battalion defense areas are prepared for conducting all- round defense , taking into account the need to create sufficient density of fire in all directions where a breakthrough of enemy forces is possible ^[1] . Being in combat contact, military units can operate with open flanks, providing mutual fire support ^[1] .