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FORMS OF MANEUVER Just as similar phases are common to forces are most protected and his fires most all offensive operations, so similar forms easily concentrated. Instead, while fixing of maneuver are common to all attacks. the defender's attention forward by support­ These forms of maneuver include envelop­ ing or diversionary attacks, the attacker ment, the turning movement, infiltration, maneuvers his main effort around or over penetration, and frontal attack. While fre­ the enemy's defenses to strike at his flanks quently used in combination, each attacks and rear. Flank attacks are a variant of the enemy in a different way, and each the envelopment, in which access to the poses different challenges to the attacking enemy's flank and rear is furnished by the commander. enemy's own forward movement. Single envelopments are directed against only one ENVELOPMENT flank of the defending forces, while double envelopments attack both flanks. Either Envelopment is the basic form of variant can develop into an encirclement maneuver in any doctrine which seeks to if the attacking force is able to sever the apply strength against weakness. Envelop­ defender's lines of communications (LOCs) ment avoids the enemy's front, where his and prevent his reinforcement or escape.

ENVELOPMENT

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Successful envelopment requires discovery premium on agility, since its success or creation of an assailable flank. In meet· depends on reaching the enemy's vulnerable ing engagements and counterattacks, this rear before he can shift his forces and fires. may actually be the flank of the enemy force. In less fluid conditions, it is more TURNING MOVEMENT likely to be a gap or weak point in the The turning movement is a variant of enemy's defense. Such gaps can be created the envelopment in which the attacker at­ by conventional, nuclear, or chemical fires, tempts to avoid the defense entirely, instead or by penetration prior to envelopment. seeking to secure key terrain deep in the Envelopment typically requires less enemy's rear and along his lines of com­ initial combat power than other forms of munication. Faced with a major threat to maneuver, since the attacker need not push his rear, the enemy is thus "turned" out through heavily defended prepared posi­ of his defensive positions and forced to tions. However, envelopment places a attack rearward at a disadvantage.

TURNING MOVEMENT

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MacArthur's invasion at Inchon was a of all or part of the attacking force through classic turning movement. Amphibious, air­ enemy lines to a favorable position in their borne, and air assault forces are uniquely rear. Successful infiltration requires above valuable for conducting turning movements. all the avoidance of detection and engage­ However, because they will have to fight ment. Since that requirement limits the size beyond supporting distance of other ground and strength of the infiltrating force, infil­ forces, they will require heavy and contin­ tration can rarely defeat the defense by uous air and/or naval support. itself, but rather is normally used in con­ junction with some other form of maneuver. INFILTRATION Infiltration is most feasible in rough terrain and reduced visibility, or in areas Infiltration is another means of reaching poorly covered by observation and fire. It the enemy's rear without fighting through may be used to attack lightly defended prepared defenses. It is the covert movement positions, or stronger positions from flank

INFILTRATION

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and rear; secure key terrain in support of the main effort; or disrupt enemy rear operations.

PENETRATION Penetration is used when enemy flanks are not assailable and when time does not permit some other form of maneuver. It at­ tempts to rupture enemy defenses on a narrow front and thereby create both as­ sailable flanks and access to the enemy's

PENETRATION

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rear. Penetrations typically comprise three Penetration may be attempted on one stages: initial rupture of enemy positions, or several axes depending on the forces roll-up of the flanks on either side of the available. When feasible, multiple penetra­ gap, and exploitation to secure deep objec­ tions are desirable, since they disperse the tives. Because the penetration is itself enemy's fires and complicate commitment vulnerable to flank attack, especially in its of his reserves. early stages, penetrating forces must move rapidly, and follow-on forces must be close FRONTAL ATTACK behind to secure and widen the shoulders. Fire support must concentrate on suppres­ A frontal attack strikes the enemy across sing enemy defenses quickly, then shift to a wide front and over the most direct ap­ protect the flanks of the attack. proaches. For deliberate attacks, it is the

FRONTAL ATTACK

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least economical form of maneuver, since fires. Frontal attack may also be used it exposes the attacker to the concentrated during exploitation or pursuit, and by sub­ fire of the defender while simultaneously ordinate elements of a large formation limiting the effectiveness of the attacker's conducting an envelopment or penetration. own fires. Like many aspects of war, the forms of As the simplest form of maneuver, maneuver have seen little change in modern however, the frontal attack is useful for history. They are understood by potential overwhelming light defenses, covering adversaries as well as by American soldiers. forces, or disorganized enemy forces. It is Offensive success will therefore depend less often the best form of maneuver for a hasty on the choice of forms than on their cre­ attack or meeting engagement in which ative combination and, especially, on the speed and simplicity are paramount, or for skill and audacity with which they are exploiting the effects of nuclear or chemical executed.

OFFENSIVE FRAMEWORK

A simple, complete concept of operation mission. They also provide all around secu­ is the basis of all tactical offensive actions. rity to include protection of logistic trains The concept should permit rapid transition in the rear. between offensive phases. The commander organizes elements of Corps and divisions make use of five the offensive framework for complementary complementary elements in fighting their functions in the conduct of his attack. In offensive battles: the close operation, reconnaissance and security forces-covering forces and ad­ • A main attack with supporting attacks vance, flank, or rear guards-locate the as required. enemy and find gaps in his defenses, pro­ tect the force from surprise, develop the • Reserve operations in support of the situation, and give the commander time and attack. space in which to react to the enemy. The • A reconnaissance and security operation main and supporting efforts maneuver forward and to the flanks and rear of around or through enemy defenses to main and supporting attacks. occupy objectives that permit the defeat of defending forces. • A continuous deep operation in vital parts of the zone of attack. Reserves are positioned to weight the main effort. They exploit success, reinforce • Rear area operations necessary to main­ or maintain momentum, deal with enemy tain offensive momentum. counterattacks, provide security, complete the destruction of enemy forces, secure deep While some deep and rear activities objectives, or open the next phase of a conducted by higher echelons affect, and campaign or major operation by seizing must therefore be coordinated with, brigade objectives beyond the defended area. and subordinate units, the latter normally do not conduct separate deep and rear op­ Deep operations isolate enemy defenses, erations. These echelons, however, look for disorganize enemy reserves, disrupt enemy and anticipate enemy uncommitted forces support, and complicate the reconstitution which may affect accomplishment of the of the defense during withdrawal.

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