What type of operations can an echelon conducting a guard perform?

An echelon conducting a guard is capable of a wide range of operations, which includes reconnaissance, attacking, defending, delaying, and screening. This versatility is crucial in ensuring an effective protective posture while remaining capable of offensive actions when needed.

When conducting reconnaissance, the echelon gathers intelligence about enemy movements and positions, which is essential for informed decision-making and to maintain an advantageous position. The ability to attack allows the echelon to engage enemy forces proactively, potentially disrupting their plans and inflicting damage when opportunities arise.

Defending is a fundamental aspect of the guard's mission, as their primary role is to protect key assets or formations from enemy actions. Additionally, the guard can employ delaying tactics to slow down or hinder the progress of enemy forces, facilitating the safe movement of friendly units or gaining time for strategic repositioning.

Screening complements these operations by providing an outer layer of protection and early warning, as it involves observation and contact actions to assess and report enemy activities without necessarily engaging forces directly.

The diverse nature of these operations emphasizes the guard's crucial role in maintaining situational awareness and readiness, allowing for a balanced approach to both offensive and defensive strategies in support of broader mission objectives.