Which are types of defilade?

• A. Maximum, positional, direct lay
• B. Minimum, maximum, indirect lay, direct lay
• C. Direct lay, partial, maximum
• D. Minimum, maximum, positional, partial, direct lay

Answer: (D)

Defilade is about using terrain to protect a position from enemy fire while still allowing you to observe or fire. The best answer reflects the full range of defilade types taught: maximum defilade and minimum defilade describe the extremes of protection a terrain feature can provide. Positional defilade refers to using a specific position to stay covered while you’re ready to fire, and partial defilade covers situations where only part of you or your weapon is protected. Direct lay means employing direct-fire weapons from a protected line, taking advantage of the terrain to stay hidden while engaging the target. Together, these five forms cover how much protection you have and how you fire, which is why this option is correct. Other choices omit one or more of these recognized forms or mix in terms that aren’t used together in this context.