What is the term for a defensive operation involving organized movement away from the enemy?

The term for a defensive operation involving organized movement away from the enemy is called retrograde. This concept is specific to military operations and refers to a strategic withdrawal, where forces pull back in a coordinated manner to preserve combat power while potentially avoiding or inflicting losses on an enemy. It typically involves careful planning and execution to ensure that the withdrawing forces maintain their structure and effectiveness, and can include various movements such as delaying actions, withdrawals, or retreats.

In contrast, while a retreat might imply a similar action of moving away from the enemy, it does not carry the same connotation of planning and organization associated with a retrograde operation. A recession does not pertain to military terms and relates more to economic contexts, whereas reconnoiter involves scouting or gathering intelligence on the enemy's positions rather than a movement away from them. Therefore, retrograde best captures the essence of an organized and strategic withdrawal in military terms.