Defilade vs. Enfilade — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Defilade is a tactic where troops or positions are shielded from enemy fire, typically by natural or artificial obstacles, whereas enfilade refers to fire that sweeps through the length of an enemy line, maximizing damage.
Difference Between Defilade and Enfilade
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Key Differences
Defilade is used defensively, aiming to protect troops, artillery, or fortifications from direct or observed enemy fire by using terrain features, such as hills or trenches. On the other hand, enfilade is an offensive tactic where fire is directed along the longest axis of a target, such as a trench line or defensive wall, to achieve maximum effect.
The effectiveness of defilade depends on the ability to conceal or lower a position below the line of sight of the enemy. Whereas, enfilade relies on having a positional advantage where the firing line can align with the long axis of the target area, maximizing exposure to the fired rounds.
Soldiers in defilade seek cover behind physical barriers that can deflect or absorb enemy fire. Conversely, when troops are subjected to enfilade fire, they are exposed and vulnerable due to the advantageous positioning of the attacker.
In practice, military forces often combine these tactics, using defilade to secure their positions while attempting to place the enemy in enfilade to increase their offensive capability. This juxtaposition highlights the strategic balance between defensive and offensive operations in warfare.
Historically, mastery of using landscapes and constructed fortifications for defilade has been as crucial as the tactical deployment of forces to achieve enfilade, reflecting the depth and complexity of military strategy.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Use of terrain to hide from fire
Fire directed along the longest axis
Tactical Role
Defensive
Offensive
Focus
Protection
Maximizing damage
Required Action
Positioning behind cover
Aligning fire with enemy formation
Outcome
Minimizes exposure to attacks
Increases exposure to attacks
Compare with Definitions
Defilade
Concealment by obstacles.
They used the wall for defilade from the machine gun fire.
Enfilade
Offensive tactic to expose enemy vulnerabilities.
Enfilade was used to break the enemy's defensive line.
Defilade
Using terrain as a shield.
The hill provided defilade against the enemy snipers.
Enfilade
Attack that sweeps down the length of an enemy line.
The enfilade fire caused chaos among the enemy troops.
Defilade
Defensive positioning strategy.
Building the bunker in defilade minimized direct hits.
Enfilade
Effective use of direct fire.
The artillery was positioned to deliver enfilade along the enemy fortifications.
Defilade
Protection from hostile observation and fire.
The troops dug into defilade positions to avoid artillery.
Enfilade
Firing along the longest axis of an enemy position.
The machine gunners set up to enfilade the trench.
Defilade
Lowering one's profile against enemy.
The soldiers went into defilade during the bombing.
Enfilade
Using positioning to maximize damage.
Their strategic position allowed them to enfilade the approaching column.
Defilade
To arrange (fortifications) in such a way as to give protection from enfilading and other fire.
Enfilade
Gunfire directed along the length of a target, such as a column of troops.
Defilade
The act or procedure of defilading.
Enfilade
A target vulnerable to sweeping gunfire.
Defilade
A fortified position offering protection from enfilading and other fire.
Enfilade
(Architecture) A linear arrangement of a series of interior doors, as to a suite of rooms, so as to provide an unobstructed view when the doors are open.
Defilade
To fortify (something) as a protection from enfilading fire.
Enfilade
To rake with gunfire.
Defilade
A fortification having such protection.
Enfilade
A line or straight passage, or the position of that which lies in a straight line.
Defilade
To raise, as a rampart, so as to shelter interior works commanded from some higher point.
Enfilade
Gunfire directed along the length of a target.
Defilade
The arrangement of defensive fortifications to protect against enemy fire
Enfilade
(architecture) A series of doors that provide a vista when open.
Enfilade
(transitive) To rake (something) with gunfire.
Enfilade
To be directed toward (something) like enfilading gunfire.
Enfilade
To arrange (rooms or other structures) in a row.
Enfilade
A line or straight passage, or the position of that which lies in a straight line.
Enfilade
A firing in the direction of the length of a trench, or a line of parapet or troops, etc.; a raking fire.
Enfilade
To pierce, scour, or rake with shot in the direction of the length of, as a work, or a line of troops.
Enfilade
Gunfire directed along the length rather than the breadth of a formation
Enfilade
Rake or be in a position to rake with gunfire in a lengthwise direction
Common Curiosities
Can defilade completely protect you from enemy fire?
While defilade significantly reduces exposure, it does not guarantee complete protection, especially against indirect fire.
Why is enfilade considered a powerful tactic?
It is powerful because it increases the likelihood of hits by firing along the most vulnerable and longest part of an enemy position.
How do commanders choose when to use defilade or enfilade?
Commanders consider the terrain, enemy positioning, and strategic objectives when deciding between these tactics.
What is defilade in military terms?
Defilade refers to the use of terrain or obstacles to shield oneself from enemy observation or fire.
How does enfilade fire work to an attacker’s advantage?
Enfilade fire maximizes the effectiveness of fire by aligning it with the long axis of the enemy formation, increasing casualties.
What historical battles featured effective use of enfilade?
Historical battles like the Battle of the Somme in World War I saw effective use of enfilade fire against trench lines.
Is defilade effective against aerial attacks?
Defilade is less effective against aerial attacks, which require different forms of cover and concealment.
What risks are associated with using enfilade fire?
The main risk is exposure to counter-attack if the position is not adequately protected or concealed.
How do soldiers establish defilade positions quickly?
Soldiers use natural terrain features or quickly construct field fortifications to establish defilade.
What training is involved in learning to use enfilade effectively?
Military training for using enfilade involves tactical positioning, weapons handling, and understanding enemy movements.
Are there any non-military applications of defilade?
In civilian contexts, defilade principles can apply to protective measures in architecture and civil engineering.
What are common mistakes in employing defilade and enfilade?
Common mistakes include misjudging the enemy’s capabilities, improper terrain analysis, and poor positioning.
Can modern technology enhance the effectiveness of defilade?
Yes, modern surveillance and remote sensing technologies can enhance the effectiveness of defilade by better understanding enemy positions and movements.
How does weather affect the use of defilade and enfilade?
Adverse weather can obscure visibility and affect the accuracy and effectiveness of both defilade and enfilade tactics.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
