Military Operations: Advance, Attack, Defence, and Withdrawal

Flashcards covering military operations of Advance, Attack, Defence, and Withdrawal based on tactical principles and mnemonics.

Advance Operation

An operation of war in which mobility or maneuver is exploited for gaining positions of advantage by joining or rejoining battle under the most favorable circumstances.

Aims of Advance (LDSS)

(a) To locate and destroy enemy forces, (b) To demoralize the enemy and reduce his capacity to fight, (c) To seize ground of tactical importance, and (d) To seize or maintain the initiative.

Advance to Contact (SI-MEAT)

Requires speedy action, initiatives on both sides, main force concentration, enemy operating in a coordinated plan, opposing an unbeaten enemy, and tactical reconnaissance on a wide front.

Pursuit (FED-SIP)

Following a defeated enemy with reduced morale and resistance; involves deep penetration, sacrifice of security for speed/contact, and acting with great boldness and risk.

Basic Considerations of Advance (CD-SMS-FLAG)

Combat intelligence, Seizure and maintenance of initiative, Maintenance of momentum, Security, Grouping and order of march, Flexibility, Logistics, Air, and Deception.

Maintain Continued Pressure (MNNW)

Strategy for seizure and maintenance of initiative: Maintain pressure by day and night, never lose contact, never allow enemy to regain control, and wrest the initiative from the beginning.

Momentum Maintenance (A-MACC-CONE)

Involves air support, mental alertness of commanders, speed over terrain, correct grouping/drills, bypassing major opposition (if secure), continuous logistics, and overcoming minor opposition.

Security during Advance (SASA-WC)

Achieved via signal security, traffic discipline, air defense, protection of front/flanks/rear, wide reconnaissance, and correct grouping.

Flexibility in Advance (DAMAC)

Includes decentralization, advancing on a wide front, maintaining adequate reserves, available laterals for switching axes, and concentration of artillery/signals.

Coup de main

Operations designed to capture or destroy bridges or defiles as a means of achieving surprise.

Tactical Grouping of Advance (RAF-MR)

Consists of Reconnaissance elements, Advance guard, Flank guard, Main body, and Rear guard.

Advance Guard Tugas (GDP)

To prevent the main body from running blindly into the enemy, drive in minor opposition or secure a firm base, and provide information to the commander.

Van Guard Composition (SADI-F)

An armoured squadron, an infantry company (with various attachments), anti-tank missile detachments, an engineer section, and a Forward Observation Officer.

Night Advance Reasons (CM-PAPI)

Combat is not restricted to day, achieving surprise, preventing enemy regrouping, handling unfavorable air situations, and using developed NVDs for first light attacks.

Aim of Attack (C-DS)

(a) Destroy an enemy force, (b) Seize and hold ground/deny it to the enemy, and (c) Contain an enemy force or divert its attention.

Quick Attack

Operation where time is of paramount importance, requiring speed, decentralization, risk-taking, and practiced battle drills.

Deliberate Attack (CDC)

Characterized by careful and detailed planning, coordination of all available resources, and detailed information about the enemy and terrain.

Firm Base (ACE)

Ensures the enemy cannot wrest initiative with a spoiling attack, provides a place for attacking troops to fall back if they fail, and prevents commander reaction to counter-attacks.

Forms of Maneuver in Attack (EPF)

Frontal attack (Direct approach), Penetration (Direct approach), and Envelopment (Indirect approach).

Stages of Penetration (RCW)

Rupture of defenses, widening of the gap, and capture of the objective.

Periods of Deliberate Attack (PBDBP)

Preparatory, Break in, Dog fight, Break out, and Pursuit.

Break In Period (PBS)

Entails punching a hole in enemy defenses, breaching obstacles, and securing a bridgehead on the enemy's side of the obstacle.

Break Out Period (SSTD)

Aim to seize tactical features and communication centers before the enemy, trap forces, and destroy administrative organizations.

Assembly Area Actions (N-MAP)

Marrying up with supporting arms, administrative arrangements, preparation of weapons/ammunition, and netting of radio sets; time spent is typically $2-6$ hours.

FUP (Forming Up Place)

Must be concealed, square, and close to the start line; not in a likely enemy DF (Defensive Fire) task area; time spent is typically $15-30$ minutes.

Infantry Battalion Tasks in Attack (CCSC-POEM-T)

Clear BOPs, capture forward zones, secure corridors, clear center lines, establish bridgeheads, occupy depth areas, provide firm base, and mop up.

Silent Attack Conditions (Night-PAGE)

Highly trained troops, suitable going/weather for silent move, non-alert enemy, patrolling dominance in 'no man's land', and dark night.

H-Hour Decision Factors (PTT-TE)

Phase of the moon, assembly/forming up time, assault/breaching time, re-organization completion time, and enemy patrolling habits.

Infiltration Application (DDC)

Striking decisive blows by cutting logistical support, depriving enemy of withdrawal/reinforcement, and destroying command and control.

Reasons for Defence (WE-PAGL-DEW)

Forced by enemy, territorial integrity, protecting flanks, general policy, gaining time for process of attrition, luring enemy, or denying vital areas.

Process of Attrition (DRLWD)

The sequence of Delay, Resist, Limit, Weaken, and Destroy.

Positional Defense Factors (SLR-Good-FDL-Need)

Need to retain areas, low mobility of forces, lack of mobile reserve, unfavorable air situation, good terrain, time for preparation, and lack of depth.

Mobile Defense Factors (2STFF-DGAN)

Nuclear threat, strong mobile reserve, high mobility, numerical inferiority, excessive frontage, depth availability, and favorable air situation.

Organisation of Defence

Hierarchical levels: Defended Zone (Army), Defended Sector (Corps/Div), Defended Area (Battalion), Defended Locality (Company/Platoon), and Defended Post (Section).

Covering Troops (COP)

Deployed to cause attrition, observe/harass/delay enemy advance, and provide early warning ahead of the main defensive position.

Screen Tasks (HARD-MD)

Temporarily deny close observation, force early deployment, report enemy strength, hamper patrolling, assist withdrawal, and deceive regarding location.

Reverse Slope Position Advantage (MAC-GDP)

Renders enemy artillery ineffective, achieves tactical surprise, conceals layout, allows free movement, and provides security against NBC effects.

Extended Defence Implications (Loss-DAD)

Loss of territory, poor communication, vastness of area, but provides adequate space to destroy the enemy.

Withdrawal Reasons (C-GADHA)

Harass/exhaust enemy, draw enemy to unfavorable positions, gain time, conform to flank moves, free forces for elsewhere, or following tactical defeat.

Intermediate Position requirements (AD-MAST)

Influenced by the amount of delay possible, distance between positions, mobility of force, and speed of enemy follow-up.