Which rehearsal type involves practicing critical actions on contact before execution?

The rehearsal type that focuses on practicing critical actions on contact before execution is indeed rock drills. Rock drills are designed to refine the immediate actions that units will implement when they make initial contact with enemy forces. They emphasize situational awareness and the execution of specific tactical maneuvers under anticipated conditions.

Back-briefs, while useful for ensuring that a plan is understood, do not specifically involve practicing actions on contact. They typically consist of one party detailing the plan to ensure clarity and understanding among all participants but lack the practical execution aspect that rock drills provide.

Full-scale rehearsals offer a comprehensive and realistic simulation of the complete operation but may not focus exclusively on the critical actions upon contact. They encompass all phases of the operation rather than honing in solely on the immediate responses required during the initial contact.

Selecting rock drills as a primary choice emphasizes the necessity of preparing units for the immediate challenges they will face upon contact. This targeted rehearsal allows for optimized responses and increased efficiency during actual operations.