Forces under direct enemy fire or observation lack freedom of action and may sustain heavy casualties in a daylight withdrawal. To maintain secrecy and retain freedom of action, withdrawals should occur during periods of limited visibility or before the enemy closes with the position. Units should use smoke to conceal both day and night withdrawals. Counterattacks may be necessary to obtain this freedom of action. The corps commander should make the decision for a night withdrawal sufficiently in advance to permit planning, coordination, and time for subordinate units to conduct daylight reconnaissance.
Planning begins with preparation of the plan for the next mission.
The organization of the corps for combat. Combat service support priorities. Nominated nuclear targets, when appropriate. Deception operations to preserve the force. Normally, the corps employs a covering force during a withdrawal to preserve the command's integrity.