135. Motorized infantry can be used for defense on a broad front. When used in this role, they will as far as possible hold "topographical sectors." The width of the sector may necessitate the division of the force into groups.

136. Mobile reserves will be held in readiness to launch a rapid counterattack at crucial points.

Detailed reconnaissance and preparation are indispensable. Roads and trails will be reconnoitered and marked quickly, so that, especially at night, mobile reserves can be thrown in rapidly.

137. Outposts will be strengthened by heavy weapons, in particular antitank weapons, and by artillery and engineers.

138. The mobile employment of elements of the motorized infantry, especially the heavy weapons, deceives the enemy as to the strength of the forces facing him and makes it difficult for him to locate and engage these weapons. This also applies to delaying forces.

139. Even single heavy weapons on armored personnel carriers can, on suitable ground, keep up a mobile fire.

140. The frontage of a motorized infantry battalion in defense may be twice that of an infantry battalion—from 1,600 to 4,000 meters and even more, depending on the situation and the terrain.

141. The vehicles of units engaged in the defense will be placed sufficiently far back to be out of range of fire from the enemy main line of resistance.

Alternate positions and routes will be allotted to motor columns to enable them to withdraw from enemy fire.