Despite its defensive use as an "extra shield," the starfighter screen was an impressive formation, as it allowed for a completely coordinated switch from defensive to offensive tactics; however, this invaluable ability to switch between offense and defensive strikes was rarely exploited. The fact that the Thrawn Pincer allowed enemy ships to jump into the battles suddenly, kept commanders on the constant defensive, lest they be ambushed, so this tactic never reached its full potential.