What type of defensive operation involves organized movement away from the enemy?

The correct answer is the retrograde operation, which is characterized by organized movement away from the enemy. In a retrograde, forces deliberately withdraw from their current position to preserve their combat power and establish a more favorable position, often in response to enemy pressure or to regroup and resupply. The goal is to create distance and avoid engagement while still maintaining some level of organization and control.

This type of operation is distinct from others such as area defense, which focuses on holding ground and engaging the enemy to defend a specific area, or mobile defense, which combines defensive and offensive operations to destroy the enemy through maneuver instead of simply retreating. In a pursuit operation, forces actively follow and engage a retreating enemy to exploit their weakness rather than moving away themselves.

The nature of retrograde operations emphasizes a strategic shift to ensure the forces' survival and effectiveness rather than merely retreating in disarray.