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Theory On Offensive and Defensive

The document outlines the phases and objectives of offensive and defensive military operations, and discusses sustainment considerations for support units. It describes five phases of major offensives - movement to contact, hasty attack, deliberate attack, exploitation, and pursuit - and emphasizes maintaining momentum. For defenses, it aims to defeat enemy attacks by halting them and then counterattacking. Sustainment units must stockpile supplies far forward, position assets for mobility, and support combat units as they shift in response to attacks. Stockage levels are increased for defensive operations.

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219 views3 pages

Theory On Offensive and Defensive

The document outlines the phases and objectives of offensive and defensive military operations, and discusses sustainment considerations for support units. It describes five phases of major offensives - movement to contact, hasty attack, deliberate attack, exploitation, and pursuit - and emphasizes maintaining momentum. For defenses, it aims to defeat enemy attacks by halting them and then counterattacking. Sustainment units must stockpile supplies far forward, position assets for mobility, and support combat units as they shift in response to attacks. Stockage levels are increased for defensive operations.

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fnkfab
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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OFFENSIVE OPERATION

PURPOSE OF THE OFFENSE

The primary purpose of the attack is to defeat enemy forces. The characteristics of the offense
are surprise, concentration, speed, flexibility, and audacity. The attacker must be able to
maneuver rapidly, penetrate deeply, and survive powerful counterfires. The attacker must
also maintain the momentum until the objective is taken. If the momentum is not maintained,
the enemy may recover from the shock of the mount a successful counterattack. first assault
and mount a successful counterattack.

PHASES OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS

Effective logistics and HSS are essential in maintaining the momentum of the attack.
DISCOM commanders must prepare and organize for an offensive operation much the same
as maneuver commanders prepare and organize for an offensive operation. Determination of
support requirements is influenced, in part, by the phase of offensive operation employed.
There are five phases of major offensive operations that the DISCOM commander must
consider. They are :

● Movement to contact.

● Hasty attack.

● Deliberate attack.

● Exploitation.

● Pursuit

These phases are basically sequential. Any operation in progress, however, has the potential
of developing into a more fluid type operation or into a defense. DISCOM commanders must
consider potential change as they plan to support an offensive operation. The objective in
supporting offensive operations is to maintain the momentum by supporting as far forward as
possible.

DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS

The primary purpose of division defensive operations is the defeat of an enemy attack. The defense
must create conditions that permit the division to survive the initial shock of an attack. Emphasis with
the defense is to halt the enemy, and then exploit the initiative and go on the offensive. Defensive
operations can take many forms. They may range from absolutely static to wholly dynamic. They may
range from relying on firepower from fixed positions to depending on maneuver to disrupt and
destroy the attacking force. Typically, divisions combine area defense to control, stop, or canalize the
attacker with mobile defenses to strike and defeat the attacking force. Sustainment considerations are
significant for DISCOM units in support of defensive operations. Support of the defense has several
characteristics:

● Supply activity is greatest in the preparation stage. Stockpiling should be far forward and at
successive defensive positions. Many supplies– especially munitions and barrier material — will be
positioned as far forward as possible. These assets should also have as much mobility as possible.
This allows continuous support as combat power is shifted in response to enemy attacks.

● Stockage levels maybe two or three times normal amounts for defensive techniques such as stay-
behind operations to create redundancy of cashes and needed equipment that cannot be readily
resupplied. Positioning of facilities should be far enough in the rear to be out of the flow of battle and
relatively secure. However, they should not be so far removed as to render the logistics effort less
effective. Maintenance teams should be placed well forward to return the maximum number of
weapon systems to the battle as soon as possible. Stay-behind forces may require unique support
arrangements to insure equipment remains operational. Consider use of preplanned/preconfigured
push packages of essential items in communications break down. Stay-behind forces will require large
quantities (two or three times normal) of water, Class I, III, IV, V, VIII, IX, and batteries. DISCOM
units locate out of the reach of possible penetrations. Locations are protected, concealed, and serviced
by good road nets. Units make maximum use of built-up areas. Dispersion is consistent with support
requirements, control, and local security. Passive security measures are emphasized. CSS operations
are routinely carried out at night.

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