How do you do a reverse slope?

[TikiBob]

In line with the previous question, can someone explain to me the in's and out's of setting up a reverse slope defense?

ie what terrain is necessary for it to work and what units would be best used in it.

Thanks,

Ken

[Three_Oh_Eight]

Reverse slope is the concept of setting up “behind” “high ground”, aiming at the “crest” that the enemy must come over to get to you. A reverse slop defense sets up facing the enemy, without a line of sight to the enemy, because the rise of the ground in front of them blocks that line of sight. Given flat trajectory weapons you’re safe; behind a “wall” of earth. If he wants to come get you, then he has to come over the rise, and when he appears on top, you shoot.

Now the tricky part is that “high ground”, “crest” and “behind” are all relative. It doesn’t have to be a real defined hill, with a crest and all. You just stick to the principle of keeping behind, but facing, higher ground than you’re on that you know your opponent must cross, coming into your sights.

Reverse slope is counter intuitive; you give up the high ground, and can’t see what’s happening. BUT, you set up enough firepower targeting the crest that you KNOW he must cross, then just sit and wait. He pokes his head over… Bang!

[Fionn]

And at the risk of getting shot I'd also point out that while 95% of your force might be on the reverse slope you should always have a few units peeking over the crest. Sharpshooters are great for this job.

They fulfill the role of OP with a telephone and can report on enemy movements. FOs are also great to have forward of the reverse slope since they can arty the hell out of any inadvertent enemy concentrations.

Still the basic point is that with a total of 10 men you should be able to have eyes all over a 1km to 1.5km front and prevent any unseen enemy movements ( caveat... obviously doesn't work during adverse weather or terrain conditions).

[xerxes]

And if you have a reverse slope position where the enemy has to come across open ground, you can hold the position with minimal forces. In most cases attackers will encounter your position with scouts (that die or are suppressed and turn tail). The enemy won't get a full disposition of your forces and will often decide to attack elsewhere.