What does retrograde maneuver mean?

Answer 1

A retrograde operation is an organized movement to the rear away from the enemy. The force executes retrogrades to accomplish one or more of the following:

• To disengage from combat.
• To avoid combat under undesirable conditions.
• To draw the enemy into an unfavorable situation.
• To gain time without fighting a decisive engagement.
• To place friendly forces in a more favorable position.
• To permit the use of a portion of the force elsewhere.

There are three types of retrograde:

The Delay

The Withdrawal

The retirement

Each three are important to reach different means and understanding the complexity within this subject alone is a study within itself.

Understanding that the Retrograde is not simply a retreat is an important mindset to not only the commander but to the troops who are a part of the Retrograde within itself.

Retrograde is not simply a retreat!