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It's time we got away from "the deathtrap of the forward slope position," the authors say. Their case is convincing and is based on a non-school solution: Bunker Hill, Korea.
FOR 187 YEARS MARINES HAVE BEEN OFFENSIVE MINDED. Attack has been the watchword, and only rarely have we had the opportunity to demonstrate the genuine merits of defensive tactics. Then, whenever we did defend a piece of ground, we usually plastered ourselves firmly over the forward slope.
It's high time we got away from the death trap of the forward slope position. These days, when the danger of employment of tactical atomic missiles is always present, we must be prepared to give priority to concealment and protection. Let's start teaching reverse slope defense!
The Iron Duke Wellington is credited with having developed reverse slope defense in his engagements against Napoleon; yet this effective tactic must have been used ages before that. One earlier example was during the American Revolution at the battle of Cowpens, where Gen Daniel Morgan tweaked "Bloody" Tarlelon's nose. Though considerably inferior in strength, the shrewd old wagon master-turned soldier hid his raw militiamen behind a low hill and inspired them with confidence. Then, just as the British regulars were approaching their moment of victory, Morgan's militiamen counterattacked and brought off the tactical masterpiece of the Revolution.
During WWII German commanders again proved the soundness of defending from reverse slopes, in North Africa and Italy. Many an Allied soldier met his death immediately upon crossing the ridgeline. Under some circumstances, the reverse slope is the only "safe" position from which to defend.
First, let's consider the "normal" forward slope defense of high ground. The defending commander has observation. He can read and study the battleground and watch his enemy approach, while artillery observers can observe and direct their fire. Longer fields of fire on a forward slope usually permit a particular sector to be covered by fewer troops. And the enemy is frequently exhausted by the time he has climbed high enough to place himself in the assault position. All these points support the forward slope defense.
But the disadvantages of the forward slope are quite obvious, and they become more glaring when considered in the light of tactical atomic...