Military Tactics and Strategy - Flanking - Flank Attack - Flanking Maneuver

Military Tactics
• Advancing • Retreating • Flanking Maneuver • Pincer Movement (pinch) • Feint
• Rotating your Forces (cycling) • Blitzkrieg • Breakthru • Leapfrogging
• Divide & Conquer • Center Peel • Infiltration • Encirclement • Breakout
• Bait & Bleed (camping) • Fabian Strategy

FLANKING MANEUVER | Military Tactics

Flank: the right or left side of a formation or force; to protect or attack the side of_[6]

Flanking Maneuver
A flanking maneuver, aka "pinch" or flank attack, is an attack on the sides (or rear) of an enemy force. The ultimate goal being to surround the enemy from two or more directions, cuting off their supply lines and their most likely path of retreat. _[7]

Flanking is most often seen when one force engages the enemy head on, while others attack from the sides or rear. A flanking attack force should be fast and mobile, but need not be overwhelming in numbers; as the forces they are attacking (to the sides and rear) are usually weaker than the front line forces._[7½]

Operational Flanking
Also known as strategic flanking, an operational flanking maneuver is a flanking attack coordinated with your allies, which occurs on a much larger scale in terms of the number of regiments, divisions, and nations involved. One exaple would be the Allies surrounding Nazi Germany in World War II. In these cases, the flanked country usually has to fight on multiple fronts at once, placing it at a severe tactical disadvantage._[7]

Uses in History
HOW THIS TACTIC HAS BEEN USED

Film:

300 (2006)

• 480 B.C. - Battle of Thermopylae
In 480 B.C., the Persians arrayed one of the largest forces the ancient world had ever seen -- 120,000 soldiers by conservative modern estimates, and over 1 million according to the ancient chronicler Herodotus -- to invade and enslave Greece. Dispatched in a desperate attempt to stop them were less than 7,000 Greeks, led by 300 elite Spartan warriors. In three grueling days of battle, they killed at least 20 Persians for every man they lost. Ultimately, they were betrayed.. A local shepherd showed the Persian king an alternate route, and Xerxes' army was able to outflank the Greeks. Surrounded, the Spartans volunteered to fight to the last man to give the rest of the outnumbered Greeks time to retreat inland and raise another defense._[7¼]

Desert Storm Map

• 1991 - The First Gulf War
The Flanking Maneuver, Feint, and Encirclement have been around almost as long as war itself. Proving these tactics can still hold true in the modern day, you can find a textbook example of all three during the First Gulf War (1991). The US led coalition forces had been massing forces just south of the Kuwaiti border for some time. As the much anticipated ground war began, a mostly arab contingent made their presence known outside Kuwait; but this maneuver was only a Feint.. Due to overwhelming air superiority, the main attack force of 1500 tanks and 300,000 men was able to shift 300 miles to the west undetected; and then performed a looping left-hook deep through Iraq. In less than 100 hours time, the coalition had encircled the entire southern Iraqi army, which led to a quick cease-fire agreement and the end of the war._[11½]

"We're going around, over, through, on top, underneath."
^{Norman Schwarzkopf: tactics for attacking the Iraqi army during "Desert Storm"}

Counter Tactics
HOW TO COUNTER THIS TACTIC

• Retreating
The easiest way to avoid being flanked, is to retreat before you are completely cutoff. Maintaining a high level of operational awareness through reconnaissance and communication with your allies is key.

• Reconnaissance
It's a good idea to use some form of reconnaissance at all times, so that you have a reasonable degree of intel regarding the size and location of enemy forces. A variety of special ops, a spare supply truck, or a stray regiment can all accomplish this task. If you are informed of battlefield conditions you won't fall for tactics such as the Flanking Maneuver.

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• Leapfrogging
Leapfrogging is when two or more groups make a slow advance forward; with each taking taking turns advancing and securing a defensive position, before the other advances. It is nearly impossible to flank an opponent that is slowly advancing by leapfrogging; as they always have a defensive force protecting their flank, and ready to aid in their retreat.

• Zone of Supply
Whenever possible fight within your zone of supply, which not only offers the chance to heal the instant you retreat, but also offers a better view of the battlefield; greatly reducing the chance of being flanked.

• Operational Coordination
Proper communication regarding enemy troop movements and tactics can help to counter just about any threat.

• Terrain
Impassable terrain such as mountains and water can make for excellent cover for your flanks.

• Blitzkrieg
The blitzkrieg is similar to the breakthru, but instead of the flanks hooking outward to widen the gap in the enemy lines; the entire force continues forward to strike into the heart of enemy territory. The blitzkrieg requires a high speed coordinated attack, and basically disregards protecting it's flanks to attempt what can be a risky "all-or-nothing" maneuver.

Proving the blitzkrieg concept was not a German one alone, check out what General Patton had to say:

"Some goddamn fool once said that flanks have got to be secure. Since then sonofabitches all over the globe have been guarding their flanks. I don't agree with that. My flanks are something for the enemy to worry about, not me. Before he finds out where my flanks are, I'll be cutting the bastard's throat."
^{General Patton}

In Axis and Allies RTS
USING THIS TACTIC IN THE FIELD

• Use the "Fog of War" to your advantage
The best way to flank an opponent is if they don't see you coming. Use any area that has not been supplied by enemy forces, and catch them by surprise!!

• Divide & Conquer
Secretly peel off a portion of your forces, and attempt to engage the enemy from two or more directions; in the best case scenario, blocking the path of retreat.

• Feint
Use a diversionary maneuver or false retreat to lure the enemy into "the killing fields", then flank or encircle them with your main attack force.

• Flanking Maneuver
The Flanking Maneuver can be a risky tactic if not executed properly, as the flanking force can be vulnerable to being flanked itself. Use a secondary force to trail behind your main attack force, and if they try to "pinch", "pinch" them back!!

• Operational Coordination
Operational Tactics are tactics and maneuvers coordinated with your allies, and when executed successfully, are usually more decisive in terms of victory; than tactics that occur in head-to-head isolation play. Once again communication is key, but play your cards right and you may be able to achieve an operational flanking maneuver, and destroy an entire enemy division; instead of just a couple regiments.

• Terrain
Just as terrain can help to protect your flanks when used correctly, it can also leave you vulnerable to the flanking maneuver if you aren't aware of your surroundings. Look for choke points in the terrain, and wait for your enemies to stick their neck out too far, and cut them off!

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REFERENCES | Military Tactics

Flanking Maneuver

[06] Definition: Flank - Websters New World Dictionary 1984 pg530
[07]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flanking_maneuver
[07¼]

http://military.discovery.com/history/early-history/thermopylae.html
[07½]

http://www.changingminds.org/disciplines/warfare/tactics/flanking.htm
[11½] Desert Storm:

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"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved."

^{Sun Tzu, the Art of War}

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