A
withdrawal is a type of
military operation, generally meaning retreating forces back while maintaining contact with the enemy. A withdrawal may be undertaken as part of a general retreat, to consolidate forces, to occupy ground that is more easily defended, or to lead the enemy into an
ambush. It is considered a relatively risky operation, requiring discipline to keep from turning into a disorganized
rout or at the very least doing severe damage to the
military's
morale.