Screening is amilitary tactic in which a "screening force" (sometimes referred to as a "security force," or "guard force")[1] provides early warning andreconnaissance to a main force or unit. Screeningunits are usually smaller and more mobile than units of the main body. They also detect and harass the enemy's own screening and reconnaissance units, hide the main body’s strength and location, and delay enemy advance. Screening forces generally avoid becomingdecisively engaged.
Screening may be utilized in allwarfare domains; on theground, on thesea,[2] in theair,[3] inspace,[4] and incyberspace.[5]
Screening forces are generally used to hide the nature, strength, and disposition of a friendly military force; to counter enemy screening units; to provide early warning of enemy approach; impede anddemoralize the enemy forces with harassing fire; and to report on the enemy. Screening may be accomplished by any units or personnel assigned to do so on anad hoc basis or by entities which, at least in part, specialize in screening, such asskirmishers,light infantry, andlight cruisers (innaval warfare). Screening forces may be highly mobile, they may establish more staticpickets oroutposts, or they may utilize both tactics.[6] Screening forces generally avoid becomingdecisively engaged.[7]
Screening doctrines have varied over time and by nation, but such forces are generally lightly armed and armoured, and it is neither expected nor generally desired that they becomedecisively engaged with the enemy. Screening forces may re-join the main body when their tasks are complete or they may continue to operate on and around the fringes of the enemy's lines and flanks.
Screening was heavily utilized in "traditional"symmetric warfare, with light infantry andlight cavalry typically screening the main body of an advancing army. Inmodern warfare, screening may be performed byarmoured cars,light tanks,infantry fighting vehicles,drones, andhelicopters.Electronic warfare is additionally considered a modern screening ability.[8]
Screening forces are distinct fromcovering forces; while the former are typically lightly armed and only expected to harass the enemy, the latter may have the capability to fully engage enemy forces, at least for a time.[9]
A screening force is deployed over an extended area, to the rear andflanks of the main force, rather than to the front. The screening force's minimal tasks enable it to have a wide frontage. The "screen line" is the axis along which the screening unit is providing security.[10] Aerial assets are used when ground assets cannot keep pace with the main body.[11]
[...]unlike a screening or guard force[...]
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)A tactical organization which assigns any appreciable percentage of fleet air fighting strength to the definite task of protecting or 'screening'[...]
It is not too difficult to imagine a 'screening destroyer' placed between the space battle station and the mine to intercept either the shrapnel or the nuclear energy.
{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)A combat outpost is a reinforced observation post capable of conducting limited combat operations […] The commander uses a combat outpost to extend the depth of the security area[…]
Reconnaissance assets must retain battlefield mobility to successfully complete their missions. If these assets are decisively engaged, reconnaissance stops and a battle for survival begins […] Before initial contact, the reconnaissance unit adopts a combat formation designed to gain contact with the smallest possible friendly element. This provides the unit with the maximum opportunity for maneuver and enables it to avoid having the entire unit become decisively engaged […] The main body commander may order the security force not to become decisively engaged or fall below a certain combat strength.
[...]information denial was accomplished by screening—that is, by flinging out an opposing line of ships and aircraft. Modern ways to confound the enemy's scouting effort are keeping radio silence and jamming his radars, both of which deny him information.
A covering force, or portions of it, often becomes decisively engaged with enemy forces. Therefore, the covering force must have substantial combat power to engage the enemy and accomplish its mission. A covering force develops the situation earlier than a screen or a guard force. It fights longer and more often and defeats larger enemy forces.
