Disengagement criteria are protocols that specify circumstances under which a friendly force must break contact with direct fire and observed indirect fire to prevent decisive engagement.

• A. Bypass criteria
• B. Engagement criteria
• C. Disengagement criteria
• D. Security guidance

Answer: (C)

Disengagement criteria specify the circumstances under which a friendly force must break contact with direct fire and observed indirect fire to avoid a decisive engagement. This concept is about knowing when continuing to fight would likely lead to defeat in detail, outstripped ammunition or maneuver capability, or a loss of mission, so the force can withdraw, reposition, or redraw lines to preserve combat power. It provides clear thresholds for when disengagement is warranted, such as when maintaining contact would trap the unit, expose the force to overwhelming enemy fire, or compromise situational awareness and security. By having these criteria, leaders can quickly and confidently break contact before the enemy can decisively engage, rather than risking a worse outcome. Bypass criteria involve avoiding engagement by maneuvering around threats, engagement criteria define when to initiate or sustain combat, and security guidance covers general safety and protective measures—not the specific decision to break contact.