4-119. Planning also reduces the amount of time and confusion that arises when a unit is unsuccessful in its defensive efforts and must transition to retrograde operations. Commanders designate units to conduct denial operations and to evacuate casualties and equipment. Commanders use retrograde operations to preserve their forces as combat-capable formations until they can establish those conditions necessary for a successful defense. Plans should account for both failure and success, and they should account for a transition to offensive or stability operations.