Group

Attacking theory

To take and hold ground, infantry must move forward and decisively engage the enemy. Fire alone cannot accomplish this. Movement must be protected by supporting fire to suppress and distract the enemy, enabling assault elements to close in and seize the objective.

Security elements screen the assault from external threats:

• Protect flanks and rear from enemy reinforcements or counterattacks
• Can be integrated into the support element
• Key for maintaining operational integrity during larger attacks

The support element (base of fire) enables assault by suppressing the enemy:

• Provides high volume of fire, typically using crew-served weapons
• Should comprise 2/3 of the force
• Must shift or cease fire as assault teams close in

The assault element closes with and destroys the enemy using fire and movement:

• Use covered routes to stay concealed
• Attack aggressively, maintain momentum
• Leave casualties to follow-on forces to avoid stalling

Observation & Fields of Fire

• Choose support positions with visibility but avoid obvious spots
• Consolidate ARs for better support-by-fire (SBF)
• Identify observation posts for recon or coordination
• Evaluate enemy overwatch and cover areas
• Use smoke or stealth to bypass dangerous ground

Cover & Concealment

• Assess enemy cover to anticipate positions
• Use available micro-terrain for movement
• Urban and dense terrain increases risk and slows assaults
• Open terrain allows better coordination and support

Obstacles

• Identify obstacles and plan how to bypass or breach them
• Use satchels or AT to clear paths if needed
• Expect enemy to cover obstacles—use smoke to mask approach

Key or Decisive Terrain

• Seize vantage points, mission objectives, or tall structures
• Expect heavier enemy presence on decisive ground
• Exploit terrain to limit enemy strength or visibility

Avenues of Approach

• Choose concealed approaches when possible
• Identify opportunities for feints or unexpected routes
• Multiple simultaneous approaches can overload enemy response
• Unlikely or audacious routes may catch the enemy off-guard

No plan survives first contact. Leaders must remain flexible and ready to adapt to unexpected resistance or opportunity. Maintain the initiative by shifting tactics mid-attack when necessary.

Surprise can outweigh preparatory fires. A fast, violent, unexpected attack may disorganize the enemy more effectively than bombardment. The decision to prioritize surprise over preparation lies with the assault commander.

Preparation involves striking the objective with available firepower, artillery, mortars, CAS, or heavy weapons prior to the assault. Targets should be based on recon intel. Fires should ideally continue during the assault and shift just before the assaulting element reaches the objective to maximize confusion and shock.

Isolation prevents the enemy from reinforcing or retreating. This can be achieved through:

• Positioning heavy weapons to cover likely escape routes
• Pre-plotting artillery on fall-back routes
• Using deception, such as leaving a gap to bait retreat

Isolation is not always perfect, but should be attempted as thoroughly as possible using recon and terrain advantage.

Reconnaissance is the first phase of any attack. Knowing the enemy’s location, strength, and positions in advance increases the likelihood of a successful assault. Ideally, recon should be completed before the enemy becomes aware of friendly presence.

A direct assault on the enemy’s weakest point, supported by fire and smoke:

• High risk, only used when alternatives aren't viable
• Must have strong suppression and concealment
• Use bounding overwatch to maintain momentum

The support element fixes the enemy while the assault flanks one side:

• Conceal movement for as long as possible
• Shock and surprise enhance effectiveness
• Shift fires as assault nears the objective

Above: Visual representation of a single envelopment

Assault elements strike both flanks while support suppresses:

• Synchronization is key to avoid friendly fire
• Simultaneous flank attacks disorient defenders
• Staggered timing can draw enemy focus to one side

Above: Visual representation of double envelopment

Assault manoeuvres behind enemy lines:

• Splits enemy attention front and rear
• Requires tight coordination to avoid friendly fire
• Best executed from one side, splitting the assault element is risky

Above: Visual representation of deep envelopment