Which term describes the area where ground combat units are deployed, excluding covering or screening forces?

• A. Boundary (MCM)
• B. Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT)
• C. Forward Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA)
• D. Engagement Area (EA)

Answer: (C)

FEBA, the Forward Edge of the Battle Area, is the forward boundary where ground combat units are committed to fight. It defines the limit of the area in which the main battle will occur and excludes screening and covering forces that operate ahead of it to observe, delay, or secure the approaches. In other words, the battle area proper begins at the FEBA, with combat units deployed within it, while the forces that screen or cover the force stay forward of that line.

The other terms don’t fit as precisely: a boundary is a general limit of an operation, not specifically the front edge of where combat units are deployed. The Forward Line of Own Troops shows where friendly troops currently are, which can be inside or behind the FEBA. An engagement area is a defined area within the battlefield where fires are directed to destroy or disrupt an enemy assault, not the overall deployment boundary for ground combat units.