Definition

Withdrawing is the act of removing all or part of a military force from combat and moving to a safe location. A withdrawal may be organized, as in a tactical withdrawal (as to lead an enemy force into ambush or to reform for a later attack), or disorganized, following defeat. The latter is also termed a rout.

Feigned Retreats

The act of feigning a withdrawal or rout in order to lure an enemy away from a defended position or into a prepared ambush is an ancient tactic, and has been used throughout the history of warfare. Ancient Mongols were famed for, among other things, their extensive use of feigned retreats during their conquests, as their fast, light cavalry made successful pursuit by an enemy almost impossible and allowed them to escape even if the enemy did not give chase.

Tactical Withdrawals

A withdrawal may be anticipated, as when a defending force is hopelessly outmatched but must cause as much damage to an enemy as possible. In such a case, the retreating force may employ a number of tactics and strategies to further impede the enemy's progress. This could include setting mines or booby traps during or before withdrawal, or the use of scorched earth tactics.

Ancient Warfare

Causing an enemy army to rout from a battlefield was once the main goal of ancient armies. Once the army was in flight, the victors would chase them down and attempt to cause as many casualties or take as many prisoners as possible. In modern times, thanks to more efficient weapons and tactics, as well as generally smaller conflicts in urban enviornments, complete destruction of an enemy force is more common.