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Military

CHAPTER 4

OFFENSE

This chapter describes how the BSFV platoon operates during offensive operations. The offense is the decisive form of combat. Army operational doctrine seeks to seize the initiative quickly and achieve decisive victory with minimum casualties.

PURPOSE OF THE OFFENSE

The main purpose of the offense is to defeat, destroy, or neutralize an enemy force. Additionally, offensive operations are undertaken to--

  • Secure decisive terrain.
  • Deprive the enemy of resources.
  • Gain information.
  • Disrupt an enemy attack.
  • Deceive and divert the enemy.
  • Hold the enemy in position.
  • Set up conditions for future successful operations.

CHARACTERISTICS OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS

The main feature of an offensive battle is the outflanking or bypassing of the defender--that is, taking the initiative. The aim of the commander in an offensive battle is to expedite the decision. Surprise, concentration, tempo, and audacity characterize offensive operation and are components of initiative. Initiative, combined with maneuver, makes decisive offensive operations possible.

SURPRISE

Commanders achieve surprise by striking the enemy at the time or place or in a manner for which it is not physically or mentally ready. Being unpredictable and using deception, cunning, and guile also help to gain surprise. Surprise is achieved by the direction, timing, boldness, and force of the attack.

CONCENTRATION

While surprise may contribute to offensive success, concentration is the ability to mass effects without massing large formations and is, therefore, essential for achieving and exploiting success. By concentrating forces rapidly along converging axes, the attacker overwhelms enemy forces at the point of attack by massing the effects of combat power.

TEMPO

Tempo is the rate of speed of military action; controlling or altering the rate of speed is essential for maintaining the initiative. Commanders seek a tempo that maintains relentless pressure on the enemy to prevent him from recovering from the shock and effects of the attack. An attack tempo that puts sufficient pressure on the defender is essential to success; it promotes surprise, keeps the enemy offbalance, contributes to the security of the attacking force, and denies the defender freedom of action.

CONTENTS

Purpose of the Offense

Characteristics of Offensive Operations

Sequence of the Attack

Movement Techniques and Formations

Threat

Air Defense Artillery in the Offense

Movement to Contact

Meeting Engagement

Hasty Attack

Deliberate Attack

Exploitation

Pursuit

Forms of Maneuver

AUDACITY

Audacity is a key component of any successful offensive action. A simple plan, boldly executed, requires audacious leaders to negate the disadvantages of numerical inferiority. Commanders should understand when and where they are taking risks but must not become tentative in the execution of their plan. A difficult situation handled boldly often leads to dramatic success. The offensive is inherently a bold action and must be pursued with audacity.

SEQUENCE OF THE ATTACK

Offensive operations are normally broken down into the following phases. Each phase may have subordinate parts within it to further delineate specific portions, as shown in the following illustration.

Different forms of the attack occur throughout the depth of the battlefield. This happens simultaneously and in closely aligned phases that shift back and forth. They may take new forms and offer increasing options for development. Therefore, phases of the offense are not fixed.

PREPARATION FOR OPERATIONS

During this phase, units prepare for offensive operations and conduct specific tasks in support of the mission. The BSFV platoon must be integrated in all phases of the mission, especially the preparation phase. Planning, reconnaissance, assembly area operations, and movement to the line of departure occur during this phase. The BSFV platoon must synchronize task force preparation tasks with air defense peculiar operations. Simultaneously, task force directed events such as reconnaissance, selection, and occupation of position (RSOP) and task force rehearsals must be accomplished in conjunction with operations that may be peculiar to the ADA element such as--

  • Providing air defense protection for the total Army analysis (TAA).
  • Linkup operations.
  • Conducting an ADA rehearsal.
  • Cross-leveling ammunition.
  • Air battle handover.

MOVEMENT TO CONTACT

During this phase, maneuver forces in the main battle area maneuver to positions of advantage. It may be characterized by flanking movements, limited attacks, and penetrations of enemy security zone forces.

ATTACK

The unit attacks the enemy's main defensive positions, assaulting by fire and maneuver or fixing and bypassing to attack the enemy somewhere else. There are two forms of attack, hasty and deliberate.

EXPLOITATION

The unit exploits its success by extending its destruction of the defending force by maintaining offensive pressure. This phase follows a successful attack.

PURSUIT

The attacker pursues the retreating enemy to complete destruction of the opposing force. Pursuit follows successful exploitation.

CONSOLIDATION, REORGANIZATION, AND
PREPARATION FOR FUTURE OPERATIONS

The unit secures the objective, consolidates, conducts resupply, reorganizes if required, and prepares for future operations. Planning begins with this step and works backwards.

MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND FORMATIONS

The selection of movement techniques and attack formations for the task force is dependent on METT-T. Either the task force commander or the company team commander may specify movement techniques for the unit.

MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

The three movement techniques are traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch. The supported force may not move as a unit using one movement technique. Rather, the supported force commander designates the movement technique to be used by the subordinate units. Movement techniques may be modified upon enemy contact. A portion of the unit may take actions on contact against enemy positions while the rest of the unit continues to move.

Traveling

Traveling is used when speed is necessary and contact with the enemy is not likely. The unit moves with an interval between elements based on visibility, terrain, and range of weapons. When a BSFV platoon supports a task force using the traveling technique, a BSFV section is normally positioned behind the lead company team and another may be located to the front of the trail company team. See the following illustration.

Traveling Overwatch

When enemy contact is possible but not expected, units use the traveling overwatch technique. The units move in columns, but the interval between elements is increased. Positioning of ADA elements in the traveling overwatch is similar to the traveling technique. Traveling overwatch is characterized by continuous movement of the lead element. The trailing element moves at variable speeds and may even pause to overwatch the movement of the lead element. Depending on the duration of halts, the speed of travel, and the air threat, the BSFV Stinger teams may dismount in the traveling overwatch. See the Task Force Using Traveling Overwatch Formation illustration.

Bounding Overwatch

When enemy contact is expected, the unit uses bounding overwatch. Elements move by bounds, one covering or overmatching the movement of another. The advancing element moves forward on a covered route whenever possible and the overmatching unit is positioned to support the moving element by suppressive fire or maneuver. The length of bounds is normally within the direct fire range of the weapon systems overmatching the bound. Based on METT-T BSFVs may be placed behind the lead elements to provide overwatch of enemy air avenues of approach. See the following illustration.

Additional BSFV Platoon Considerations

In planning movement techniques, the BSFV platoon leader should consider the following:

  • Use of movement techniques in conjunction with those used by supported unit.
  • Task organization either as a platoon or in sections, depending on METT-T and prescribed movement techniques by supported unit.
  • Air defense coverage forward of the lead elements.
  • Balanced fires.

FORMATIONS

The task force may move in any one of seven formations: column, wedge, vee, echelon, line, box, or diamond. The task force may use more than one formation at a time especially when the terrain changes during the movement. For example, the task force commander may elect to use initially a column formation to clear a defile, changing to a wedge formation once elements are clear of the defile. Again, the choice of formations is METT-T dependent.

Column Formation

Column formation is used when enemy contact is not expected, a lengthy move is expected, and or terrain is restrictive. Normally, the task force lead element uses traveling overwatch while follow-on units move in traveling. The BSFV platoon may travel as a platoon behind the lead unit in the column or may task-organize into sections and travel with supported company teams. A column formation--

  • Eases speed of movement, is easy to control, and is useful in defiles or dense woods.
  • Provides for quick transition to other formations.
  • Requires flank security.
  • Provides majority of firepower to the flanks.

See the Task Force In Column Formation illustration.

Wedge Formation

The wedge formation best positions the task force to attack an enemy appearing to the front and flanks. The wedge is used when enemy contact is possible or expected. When enemy contact is not expected, it may be used to rapidly cross open terrain. BSFVs are normally placed behind the lead elements of the main body when moving in the wedge formation. The wedge formation--

  • Facilitates control and transition to the assault.
  • Provides for maximum firepower forward and adequate firepower to the flanks.
  • Is difficult to control in forested areas or during limited visibility operations.
  • Requires sufficient space to disperse companies laterally and in depth.

See the Task Force in Wedge formation illustration.

Vee Formation

In the vee formation, the task force moves with two company teams abreast and two trailing. It is normally used when enemy contact is expected and the location and disposition of the enemy is known. This arrangement allows the trail company teams to move to support either lead company team. In the vee formation, the BSFV platoon is normally task-organized and moves with supported company teams. The vee formation--

  • Is hard to reorient; control is difficult in heavily wooded areas.
  • Provides for good firepower forward and to the flanks.
  • Allows flexibility allows the task force commander to move units to support the lead company teams.

See the Task Force in Vee Formation illustration.

Echelon Formation

The echelon formation echelons the task force with company teams in a slant in direction of the enemy (right or left). It is commonly used when the task force provides security for a larger moving force. In the echelon formation, the BSFV platoon moves as a platoon behind the lead company team or may be task-organized in sections and move with supported company teams. The echelon formation--

  • Provides for firepower in the direction of the echelon.
  • Eases control in open areas; more difficult in heavily wooded areas.
  • Is difficult to control.

See the Task Force in Echelon (Right) Formation illustration.

Line Formation

In the line formation, the task force moves with company teams abreast. It is often used in reconnaissance operations or when continuous movement with maximum firepower to the front is required. Since it does not disperse company teams in depth, the line provides less maneuver flexibility than other formations. The BSFV platoon may move as a platoon behind the company team moving along the most dangerous air avenue of approach, or it may be task-organized into sections and travel with supported company teams. The line formation--

  • Permits maximum firepower to the front.
  • Uses the use of speed and shock in closing with the enemy.
  • Is difficult to control.

See the Task Force in Line Formation illustration.

BOX FORMATION

In the box formation, the task force moves with two company teams forward and two company teams trailing. It is the most flexible of all formations because it can easily be changed to most other formations, The BSFV platoon may move as a platoon positioned astride the main enemy air avenue of approach, or it may be task-organized into sections with sections moving with supported company teams. The box formation--

  • Provides firepower to the front and flanks.
  • Eases speed of movement due to ease of control.
  • Protects elements moving in the center of the box.

See the Task Force in Box Formation illustration.

Diamond Formation

The diamond formation is a variation of the box formation. In the diamond formation, one company team leads; one company team is positioned on each flank; and the remaining company team is at the rear. In this formation, the BSFV platoon may be placed behind the lead company team or task-organized and travels with supported company teams. The diamond formation--

  • Leads with less combat power forward than the box formation.
  • Transitions easily to other formations.

See the Task Force in Diamond Formation illustration.

SUMMARY

Using a combination of movement techniques and formations, the supported unit commander adjusts his overall scheme of movement based on the factors of METT-T.

THREAT

During friendly offensive operations, threat forces will attempt to use their fire support assets to regain the initiative. Threat air activity will most likely be categorized by RISTA operations in support of artillery and maneuver. UAVs are best suited for these types of operations, especially if threat forces have developed effective command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I). Secondary weapon systems the enemy will use include helicopters, either as dedicated attack assets or as armed utility helicopters. Helicopter assets can be used in two roles: attack or reconnaissance. Helicopters in the reconnaissance role will operate in the same manner as UAVs to support artillery targeting and maneuver. In the attack, the air defender can expect spoiling attacks usually consisting of two helicopters taking full advantage of cover and concealment with the mission of disrupting friendly operations.

In some cases, helicopters will be used in conjunction with threat armored forces to deter friendly penetrations. However, it is unlikely the friendly commander will see large numbers of helicopters in this role. The enemy will use ground forces to first neutralize friendly air defense assets. Helicopters will be used primarily against armored forces.

Threat fixed-wing assets will be limited and their use will be hampered by friendly fixed-wing aircraft. Use of enemy fixed-wing aerial platforms cannot be entirely ruled out. If used by the enemy, the ground commander can expect to see no more than one or two aircraft in a spoiling attack, normally not coordinated with enemy ground operations.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY IN THE OFFENSE

The BSFV platoon adds an important new capability to the combined arms team during offensive operations. Its speed and armor protection increase mobility and survivability on the battlefield. Its onboard weapon systems allow the BSFV to protect itself while providing continuous ADA protection at the critical time and place.

In the offense, BSFVs normally accompany the main body or the task force reserve. Ultimately, BSFV positioning will be determined by the factors of METT-T. The BSFV platoon may be taskorganized to provide direct support to the task force or task-organized into sections to support individual company teams. Priorities for protection may include maneuver elements, fire support, engineer elements, command and control nodes, and logistics assets. Unit SOPs and mission-specific IPB developed during the planning process will ultimately direct priorities for air defense for each mission. The BSFV platoon will develop a plan to support the supported unit's scheme of maneuver and commander's intent for each mission. The BSFV platoon leader will develop an execution matrix which will position his assets to protect the supported force against air threats.

A task force may conduct various types of offensive operations. Each requires the platoon leader to plan using the six ADA employment guidelines outlined in Chapter 2. The forms of tactical offensive operations are--

  • Movement to contact.
  • Attack.
  • Exploitation.
  • Pursuit.

MOVEMENT TO CONTACT

A task force conducts a movement to contact to develop the situation and to establish or regain contact with the enemy. A movement to contact often results in a meeting engagement. The movement to contact ends when contact is made or the objective is occupied without enemy contact.

The movement to contact is characterized by decentralized control, rapid movement, and commitment of forces from the march. A movement to contact can be conducted against either stationary or moving forces. Each side attempts to seize the initiative and overwhelm the opposing force via fire and maneuver. Various subcomponents and variants of the movement to contact are--

  • Approach march. An approach march is a variant of the movement to contact and is used when commanders are more certain of the enemy's location and strength.
  • Search and attack. Search and attack operations are conducted by smaller, lighter forces and reconnaissance forces to destroy enemy forces, protect the force, secure areas, or collect information.
  • Reconnaissance in force. A reconnaissance in force is a limited-objective operation by a considerable force to obtain information about the enemy.

MANEUVER ELEMENT

The forward security force, usually a combination of ground and air scouts in a moving screen forward of the main body, confirms the IPB by developing the situation and attempts to make contact with the enemy with the least amount of force. It may fix small concentrations of enemy forces. It ensures the main body can deploy uninterrupted.

The flank and rear guards protect the main body from attack. In a task force, these may be platoon-sized forces. These forces are strong enough to either defeat or fix small enemy forces or delay a stronger enemy attack to allow the main body to deploy. The flank guards travel on routes parallel to the main body. These elements move by continuous march or alternate bounds to occupy key terrain on the flanks of the main body. The rear guard follows the main body and likewise protects it from attack.

The main body will normally move along an axis or axes of advance, and the task force commander may plan intermediate objectives along these axes to orient his forces. Usually, the task force commander will designate a main effort, giving priority to one axis in his zone to more clearly focus his combat power. See the following illustration.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

Enemy air can be expected if the friendly attack is achieving success. BSFV platoon leaders will normally design their coverage in conjunction with the task force commander's scheme of maneuver. This may mean that the platoon leader will structure his platoon's support to support the task force commander's designated main effort. The platoon leader can do this by allocating more of his assets to the main effort.

A movement to contact usually results in lateral maneuver once the enemy is located, and the task force attempts to either fix or bypass. BSFV platoon leaders must remain flexible, and planning for a movement to contact must include analysis of enemy air avenues throughout the entire zone of action. BSFV platoons must be able to posture themselves quickly to counter any enemy air threat.

In a movement to contact, the pace of movement prevents frequent dismounting of Stinger teams; therefore, the 25-mm chain gun is the initial weapon used by the BSFV platoon to engage enemy air targets. Consequently, BSFVs will normally maneuver no further than 2,000 meters apart to ensure more than one BSFV can engage enemy air targets at the same time.

Stinger teams should dismount when possible. While tedious, this technique results in the most effective air defense coverage. If the task force uses bounding overwatch, teams can dismount when sections are part of the overwatch element. Sections must make opportunities for themselves during movement to dismount as much as possible. The decision to dismount the Stinger team is normally a squad leader's decision, based on METT-T. BSFV platoons should incorporate into their SOPs dismount criteria during movements to contact. Vehicle dispersion, weapon range, and movement techniques should be considered when developing dismount SOPs for offensive operations.

MEETING ENGAGEMENT

The meeting engagement is normally the result of a movement to contact. A meeting engagement is the initial contact that occurs when a force that is not completely deployed for battle encounters an enemy force on which little information is known. Depending bypass, or attack. Success in a meeting engagement depends on effective execution once contact has been made. A force involved in a meeting engagement maintains momentum by focusing all available combat power against the enemy. The force which seizes the initiative, moves rapidly, and attacks violently will on his mission, the maneuver commander may defend, usually be the victor in a meeting engagement. See the Task Force in a Meeting Engagement illustration.

MANEUVER ELEMENT

The primary consideration in a meeting engagement is the ability to quickly mass all available combat power to defeat or destroy the enemy in contact. Rapid grasp of enemy locations and strengths, quick repositioning of units, and effective integration of indirect fire assets are critical for success. Ultimately, the maneuver commander must conduct fire and maneuver with all available elements to gain the decisive edge.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

Planning for a meeting engagement is conducted during the movement to contact planning phase. Through the IPB process, the S2 determines possible enemy courses of action throughout the zone of action. The BSFV platoon leader must understand all templated enemy air avenues in zone. The platoon leader will develop a plan that allows for agility and flexibility to effectively counter each enemy course of action throughout the supported unit's zone of action. He will normally do this by planning throughout the entire zone a series of aerial named areas of interest to observe, on-order positions to occupy with his BSFVs, and aerial target areas of interest on which to mass air defense fires. Once contact is made and a meeting engagement ensues, the BSFV platoon leader will execute planned positions, observe planned NAIs, and upon enemy contact, activate planned TAIs according to his decision support and execution matrices. Success will depend upon the platoon's ability to quickly execute its plan once initial enemy contact is made in the meeting engagement.

HASTY ATTACK

A hasty attack is normally the result of a meeting engagement. A hasty attack differs from a deliberate attack in the amount of time allowed for planning and preparation, and information available on enemy dispositions. Normally, planning time for a hasty attack is limited and knowledge of enemy dispositions is sketchy. A hasty attack results from a meeting engagement or when bypass has not been authorized. Optimally, a hasty attack is conducted when the enemy is in a vulnerable position or when he is marginally prepared to conduct operations. The friendly force must move quickly to gain the advantage. Speed and violence can overcome lack of preparation. SOPs, battle drills, and understanding of the commander's intent are critical for effective execution of hasty attacks. There are two categories of hasty attacks.

HASTY ATTACK AGAINST A MOVING FORCE

A hasty attack against a moving force occurs when two opposing moving forces converge. Normally, enemy forces are conducting a movement to contact as well, and have relatively equal information regarding the disposition of friendly forces. The side that wins must gain a rapid understanding of the opponent's disposition, maneuver first to position forces to his advantage. and mass all available combat power first. See the following illustration.

HASTY ATTACK AGAINST A STATIONARY FORCE

A hasty attack against a stationary force is normally initiated as a result of a movement to contact. Some information of enemy positions and strength may be known. Friendly lead security elements begin the hasty attack by reconnoitering enemy positions, and by confirming or denying the initial enemy template. Lead scouts will attempt to find a weakness in the enemy position, normally at the enemy's flank. The task force will deploy, arraying itself to concentrate its combat power on a designated point of penetration. The task force commander will maneuver trail elements in the task force to take advantage of success during the attack. Since the task force has an offensive mission, it may have subordinate tasks of either fixing and bypassing, defeating, or destroying the enemy.

The hasty attack is completed when the enemy has been either fixed and bypassed, defeated, or destroyed (depending on the unit's mission); and the task force has consolidated on the objective, postured to defend or to continue the mission to the next objective. See the Hasty Attack Against a Stationary Force illustration.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

As in the meeting engagement, the success of air defense artillery in a hasty attack will depend on thorough prior planning. Prior to the mission, on-order BSFV positions, aerial NAIs and TAIs along suspected enemy air avenues of approach, and decision and execution matrices must be developed throughout the entire zone of action to ensure success. The BSFV platoon leader will plan his scheme of maneuver based on the task force designated main effort, outlined in the commander's intent. Unit SOPs and battle drills, combined with rapid, aggressive execution, will aid in mission accomplishment.

During the movement to contact, BSFVs will maneuver based on the supported unit's scheme of maneuver and the BSFV platoon's execution matrix. Stinger teams will dismount whenever possible. Once the hasty attack begins, the platoon leader will position his assets, based on the supported task force designated main effort, to defend against enemy air avenues of approach developed during the planning process.

Depending on METT-T and the IPB, the task force conducting the main effort may require two BSFV platoons. In this case, the BSFV battery commander should allocate his forces in the following manner whenever possible:

  • One platoon in the direct support role and the other in the reinforcing role. The reinforcing BSFV platoon will allow the commander flexibility to shift coverage and platoon fires.
  • The platoon leaders deploy systems in an overwatch position--no more than 1,000 meters behind the assaulting forces.
  • BSFV fire units must be kept under the central control of one platoon leader to maximize coordination and synchronization. In certain cases, when two BSFV platoons are required, the BSFV battery commander may serve as the task force air defense coordinator. The battery commander maneuvers with his platoons to enhance command and control and to shift fires as necessary.
  • Aerial surveillance positions or routes.

DELIBERATE ATTACK

Deliberate attacks are fully synchronized operations that employ the effects of every available asset against the enemy defense and differ from hasty attacks in planning time and knowledge of the enemy. All deliberate attacks are characterized by greater planning time and more detailed information on enemy dispositions. Deliberate attacks are often conducted from a defensive posture. Because deliberate attacks require a greater degree of synchronization of battlefield operating systems, they require additional planning time. It must be noted that during the planning and preparation of a deliberate attack, the enemy can improve defenses, disengage, or launch a spoiling attack against friendly positions.

MANEUVER ELEMENT

Graphic control measures for a deliberate attack are similar to those for a hasty attack; however, they may be more detailed based on an increased knowledge of enemy dispositions. Axes of advance to intermediate objectives are designated to coordinate unit movement. A primary axis is designated to specify the task force main effort. A final objective is specified, usually located on what is believed to be the enemy's main defensive belt. Movement techniques will be specified based on suspected enemy locations. Task force formations will, terrain permitting, place more combat power forward due to a greater knowledge of enemy locations. Reconnaissance is focused on confirming existing enemy templates, rather than gaining initial contact with the enemy. The final assault on the objective will be characterized by a higher degree of synchronization of combat multipliers; the previous planning process will have resulted in a greater degree of specificity for maneuver and support elements.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

For a deliberate attack, air defense coverage must be extensive and well coordinated. This requires a complete IPB process that must include--

  • Air and ground avenues of approach.
  • Air and ground capabilities.
  • Aerial NAIs and TAIs designated along air avenues of approach.
  • Fixed- and rotary-wing attack profiles.
  • Probable enemy aviation fire sacks.
  • Aerial surveillance positions and routes.

From the IPB, the BSFV platoon leader will develop and use his own graphic control measures and those directed by the supported unit to control movement of the platoon. During a deliberate attack, BSFVs are normally positioned to support the main effort. The BSFV platoon leader must, however, retain the flexibility to shift and redirect platoon fires in support of the entire zone of action.

EXPLOITATION

Exploitation takes advantage of successes on the battlefield. Exploitation prevents the enemy from reconstituting, setting up an organized defense, or conducting a controlled withdrawal. It may follow either a hasty or deliberate attack. The task force can exploit its own success, attacking as the exploiting force for a larger unit, or follow and support another exploiting force.

The task force's mission can include--

  • Securing objectives deep in the enemy rear.
  • Severing lines of communications.
  • Destroying enemy units.
  • Denying escape routes to an encircled force.
  • Ensuring the exploiting force has mobility and balanced firepower.

MANEUVER ELEMENT

An order to exploit will probably come as a warning order and immediately follow the initial offensive mission. Decentralized execution is characteristic of the exploitation. However, the commander must not allow over-extension of his combat forces.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

ADA resources supporting an exploiting task force must be as mobile as the maneuver forces. Less mobile fire units are used to keep open the task force lines of communications and protect key logistics facilities and command and control centers.

The BSFV platoon may move with the task force main body (exploitation force), or it may be task-organized to provide support for both the exploitation force and the logistics elements. Effective command and control is required to support constantly moving units.

PURSUIT

The purpose of pursuit is to complete the destruction of the enemy force while it is in the process of withdrawal. The enemy force itself is the main objective.

MANEUVER ELEMENT

The pursuit usually consists of direct pressure and enveloping forces. The direct pressure force prevents the enemy from disengaging and inflicts maximum casualties. This force must not allow the enemy to break contact.

The enveloping force penetrates to the rear of the enemy and prevents his escape. It destroys the enemy with support from the direct pressure force. If the enveloping forces cannot get to the rear of the enemy force, it may attack the flank of the retreating main body. The task force can conduct a pursuit to support the brigade or have one of its company teams conduct a pursuit to support task force operations.

AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY UNITS

As with the exploitation, air defense systems deployed with the enveloping forces must be as mobile as the supported force. Since penetration occurs deep in the enemy rear, the same caution as in a movement to contact must be practiced.

BSFVs maneuver with the enveloping forces. They normally travel to the flanks but not outside the maneuvering forces. The battery may employ platoons with the enveloping forces. Stinger sections may be used to protect critical command and control nodes, logistics facilities, and supply lines.

FORMS OF MANEUVER

Offensive actions use different forms of maneuver to achieve success. These forms of maneuver are--

  • Envelopment.
  • Turning movement.
  • Infiltration.
  • Frontal attack.
  • Penetration.

Frequently, offensive actions will use more than one form of maneuver. Forms of maneuver orient on the enemy, not terrain. BSFV platoon leaders must understand these forms of maneuver to optimize their platoon's capabilities in the combined arms team.

Using forms of maneuver to influence the enemy is an art, not a science. Forms of maneuver used during each mission are normally specified in the task force commander's intent and scheme of maneuver. The higher commander seldom directs the form of maneuver to be used by the battalion task force.

ENVELOPMENT

In an envelopment, the attacker uses fire and maneuver to place greater combat power against the defender. The attacker strikes the enemy's flank or rear, finding or creating an assailable flank. The envelopment causes the enemy to fight in a direction in which he is not prepared to fight. The BSFV platoon has the responsibility to provide air protection for the enveloping maneuver element, as well as the stationary maneuver element occupying attack by fire positions. METT-T commander's intent, and scheme of maneuver will ultimately determine how the BSFV platoon accomplishes the mission.

An encirclement is a continuation of an envelopment. A force in direct contact with the enemy fixes the enemy in position while an encircling force maneuvers to surround the enemy, cutting the enemy's escape routes. See Task Force Conducting Envelopment of a Stationary Enemy Force illustration.

TURNING MOVEMENT

The turning movement is a variant of the envelopment in which the attacker seeks to pass around the enemy, avoiding his main forces, to secure a terrain oriented objective deep in the rear and sever enemy lines of communications (LOC). Optimally, enemy forces will abandon prepared positions and attack in an undesirable direction. A task force normally conducts a turning movement as part of a larger unit's operation. The BSFV platoon employment considerations are basically the same for the turning movement as they are for the envelopment. Special emphasis should be placed on ADA integration during preparation phase of the operation to ensure the BSFV platoon does not mask the fries of the supported force during the turning movement. See the following illustration.

INFILTRATION

Infiltration is a form of maneuver in which combat elements move by stealth to objectives to the rear of the enemy's position without fighting through prepared defenses. All or part of the task force may move by infiltration. Infiltrations are slow and are often conducted during reduced visibility. Successful infiltration requires effective reconnaissance to discover and secure undefended routes. Such routes are normally found in rough terrain or in areas difficult to cover with observation and fire. The infiltrating elements avoid detection, but if detected, they avoid decisive engagement. If the infiltration is mounted, the Stinger teams will probably remain mounted but may dismount depending on movement and METT-T. If the infiltration is dismounted, Stinger teams may be part of the dismounted force. See the Infiltration Manuever illustration.

FRONTAL ATTACK

The frontal attack is the least preferred form of maneuver. In the frontal attack, the task force uses the most direct routes to strike the enemy along a wide front. This attack is normally employed when the mission is to fix the enemy in position or deceive him. Although the frontal attack strikes the enemy's front within the zone of the attacking force, it does not require that the attacker do so on a line or that all subordinate unit attacks be frontal. Frontal attacks, unless in overwhelming strength, are seldom decisive. Often, frontal attacks are the best form of maneuver for a hasty attack or meeting engagement against enemy light defenses or security zone forces where simplicity and speed are important in maintaining battle tempo. The BSFV platoon must provide air defense protection forward of the lead element of the frontal attack. If follow-on elements of the supported force are not conducting a frontal attack, the BSFV platoon must develop a plan to provide air defense protection on a supporting axis of advance. See the Frontal Attack Manuever illustration.

PENETRATION

In a penetration, the task force concentrates its force at a specified point of penetration to overwhelm the enemy and gain the advantage. A penetration is used when enemy flanks are not assailable. All available combat assets are massed at a single point to make a breach; the shoulder of the penetration is held open and any enemy counterattacks attempting to thwart the penetration are repelled. A successful penetration depends on surprise and the attacker's ability to suppress enemy weapons, to concentrate forces at the point of attack, and to quickly pass sufficient forces through the gap to destroy the enemy's defense. In support of a penetration, the BSFV platoon must consider the vulnerability of the supported element holding open the shoulder of the penetration and the lead element which exploits the penetration. A penetration is planned in the following three phases as shown in the Task Force Conducting a Penetration illustration:

  • Isolation of the site selected for penetration.
  • Initial penetration of the enemy position.
  • Exploitation of the penetration.



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