Retreat!!

Subject: Retreat!! Wed May 14, 2008 2:07 pm

Heaven forbid we come to a point in a battle where we have to retreat, but let's face it, it happens. When your squad finds itself in over its head and a retreat is necessary, what tactics do you guys use to maneuver out of it, if any? Most teams I've dealt with either fight it out until they all typically are taken out (b/c they weren't prepared for a retreat) or they all simply get out of there as quickly as possible with little strategy to how they're doing it. I drew up a little diagram to explain the "peel" method that my team employs. It's a tactic brought to attention by a member on this forum named Jeremiah Mac. It's a somewhat popular method used in some countries - check it out:

This method involves, when retreating is necessary, moving away in a diagonal pattern one man at a time while his teammates cover him. For example, let's say there are three of you and you're entirely outnumbered. The three of you will typically be in a formation somewhat resembling a line formation:

When it's decided that a retreat is needed, the #2 guy will call "PEEL," which triggers the #1 guy to move back left about 10-20 yards (depending on number/firepower of enemy) While #s 2,3, and 4 cover his movement. When he reaches his destination he'll kneel down (or at least take cover), yell "PEEL," and that will signal to the #2 guy to then also move backwards and diagonally left to a safer position as #1 did. While he's doing this #1,#2, and #3 will be covering his movement. When #2 reaches his destination, he'll yell "PEEL," and #3 will run back left as well while #s 1,2 and 4 cover him. So on and so forth. It's important to run back AND left because this gives the impression to the enemy that there are many more of you than there actually may be. This puts doubt in their mind about making any attempt at a charge to overrun you and your teammates - this could be the difference between life and death. Here are a few pictures I drew up quickly to show what I mean.

Make sure you practice this with your team before trying it out in a real event to prevent any confusion. The practice will prove to be very helpful.
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