What is the first priority of defense in depth?

The first priority of defense in depth is to achieve surprise. This concept emphasizes the importance of disorienting and destabilizing an opponent by catching them off guard, thereby gaining a significant tactical advantage. By utilizing surprise effectively, forces can disrupt the enemy's plans, which is crucial in defensive operations, especially when engaging a potentially more powerful force.

Maintaining the element of surprise can involve deceptive maneuvers, unexpected shifts in defense locations, or unexpected tactical responses. This foundational strategy allows for the subsequent actions, such as building temporary shelters or establishing supply points, to be executed with greater efficacy because the enemy is not prepared for the defense’s readiness or tactical approach. Furthermore, surprise can enhance fire control as it may allow defensive units to engage the enemy before they can effectively respond.

In summary, prioritizing surprise sets the stage for all other defensive measures and ensures that subsequent actions can be more effectively implemented.