1. GENERAL

Conditions existing in the North African Desert are very different from those in the training areas of Germany; therefore, German defensive practices have developed largely from actual combat experience in the desert. Commanders have kept in close touch with the situation and constantly striven to improve their tactical methods. They have never appeared to be satisfied with their defensive positions, and have continually put forth every effort to make them more impregnable.

German defensive theory emphasizes that stützpunkte are not simply positions from which an attack can be checked, but localities from which to launch a powerful armored counterattack. All supporting units are instructed to be prepared to move forward on short notice.

Dummy positions and other ruses are habitually used by the Germans to deceive the opposing army as to the location of their main line of resistance. Keeping the enemy guessing is an important part of their doctrine, both on the offensive and the defensive.