6-213. Defending forces can become encircled at any time during large-scale combat operations. This is especially true during noncontiguous operations. An encircled force can continue to defend encircled, conduct a breakout, exfiltrate toward other friendly forces, or attack deeper into enemy-controlled territory (see paragraphs 6-223 through 6-224). A commander’s form of maneuver once becoming encircled depends on the senior commander’s intent and the mission variables, including the—