Which maneuver seeks to avoid principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives behind those defenses?

Which maneuver seeks to avoid principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives behind those defenses?

• A. Frontal Assault
• B. Single Envelopment
• C. Infiltration
• D. Penetration

Answer: (B)

Envelopment is about striking the enemy from the side or rear to bypass their strongest defenses and reach objectives beyond the main line. A single envelopment focuses on wrapping around on one flank so that, instead of trying to punch through the front, you seize targets that lie behind the defender’s immediate fortifications. This exploit can disrupt their rear areas, supply routes, or command nodes, causing collapse from behind the front while the main defenses hold other sectors. Frontal assault would run straight into the strongest defenses, which is the opposite of bypassing them. Infiltration involves slipping through gaps to operate behind or within the enemy’s lines, often on a smaller scale and with stealth, but it doesn’t inherently imply encircling a wide front to seize objectives behind the defenses. Penetration aims to break through the front at a point to push deeper, still engaging the main line rather than bypassing it to grab rear objectives.

Envelopment is about striking the enemy from the side or rear to bypass their strongest defenses and reach objectives beyond the main line. A single envelopment focuses on wrapping around on one flank so that, instead of trying to punch through the front, you seize targets that lie behind the defender’s immediate fortifications. This exploit can disrupt their rear areas, supply routes, or command nodes, causing collapse from behind the front while the main defenses hold other sectors.

Frontal assault would run straight into the strongest defenses, which is the opposite of bypassing them. Infiltration involves slipping through gaps to operate behind or within the enemy’s lines, often on a smaller scale and with stealth, but it doesn’t inherently imply encircling a wide front to seize objectives behind the defenses. Penetration aims to break through the front at a point to push deeper, still engaging the main line rather than bypassing it to grab rear objectives.