When conducting a Delay operation, what is the desired effect on enemy forces?

The desired effect of a Delay operation on enemy forces is to maximize damage without engaging in full confrontation. This approach allows a military force to slow the advance of the enemy while inflicting significant damage through tactical maneuvers, ambushes, or targeted strikes. The goal is to disrupt the enemy's momentum, creating a psychological impact and potentially leading to overextension or vulnerability, all while conserving one's own forces for future engagements.

In a Delay operation, the focus is not solely on causing damage for its own sake, but rather on effectively hindering the enemy's progress while maintaining a strategic advantage. The enemy should feel the pressure of the delaying tactics, which can lead to confusion, misallocation of resources, or a halt in their advance as they are forced to respond to unexpected threats.

Other strategies, such as catching the enemy off guard or isolating their units, may play a role in specific scenarios, but the overarching aim of maximizing damage—without a full-scale engagement—captures the essence of a Delay operation. It combines tactical effectiveness with a strategic approach to influence the outcome of ongoing operations.