What is the fundamental principle behind a flanking maneuver in military tactics?

A flanking maneuver is based on the principle that a force's fighting strength is typically concentrated at its front. By moving around the enemy's front to attack its side, or flank, a military force can concentrate its offense in an area where the enemy is least prepared to defend. This allows for a significant tactical advantage.

At what different levels of warfare can flanking maneuvers be employed?

Flanking maneuvers are not limited to small-scale engagements. They can be effectively utilized at the tactical level, involving individual units, as well as at the operational and strategic levels of warfare, influencing the movement and positioning of entire armies or nations.

What are the three standard types of flanking maneuvers described in the text?

The text outlines three standard flanking maneuvers: the ambush, where a unit performs a surprise attack from a concealed position; a flank attack during an engagement, where one part of a unit pins the enemy while another attacks the side; and the double envelopment, which involves simultaneous flank attacks on both sides of the enemy.

How is an ambush executed as a flanking maneuver, and what are its typical characteristics?

An ambush is a flanking maneuver executed through a surprise attack from a concealed position. It is typically favored by smaller, more mobile forces, often utilizing favorable terrain. Units may be positioned on the sides of the ambush site to surround the enemy, but careful coordination is needed to prevent friendly fire.

What tactical considerations are important when setting up an ambush to avoid friendly fire?

When setting up an ambush, commanders must carefully plan the fields of fire for the units involved. This is crucial to ensure that friendly forces do not accidentally engage each other, a risk particularly present when units are positioned to surround the enemy from concealed locations.

Can you describe the process of a flank attack that occurs during an ongoing engagement?

In a flank attack during an engagement, a portion of the attacking unit uses suppressive fire to pin the enemy in place, preventing them from reacting or repositioning. Meanwhile, another part of the attacking force advances to the enemy's side, or flank, and initiates an attack at close range.

What is a double envelopment, and what historical battle serves as a key example?

A double envelopment is a flanking maneuver where simultaneous attacks are launched against both sides of an enemy formation. A famous historical example cited is Hannibal's victory over the Roman army at the Battle of Cannae.

Under what conditions is a double envelopment maneuver typically employed?

A double envelopment is often employed when a military force significantly outnumbers its opponent or when the enemy lacks sufficient cavalry support. It can also be achieved by widening friendly units or formations, or by creating gaps between them, which can weaken the center.

How was flanking typically achieved on land in the pre-modern era, and what role did different troop types play?

In the pre-modern era, flanking maneuvers on land were primarily executed by cavalry and, less commonly, chariots, due to their speed and maneuverability. Heavily armored infantry was often used to pin the enemy in place, preventing them from responding to the flanking attack, as seen in the Battle of Pharsalus.

What modern military assets have replaced cavalry as the primary force for flanking maneuvers?

In the 20th century, armored vehicles, particularly tanks, largely replaced cavalry as the main force for executing flanking maneuvers. This shift was evident in operations like the Battle of France during World War II.

What is a commander's primary responsibility when defending against flanking maneuvers?

A commander's primary responsibility in defending against flanking maneuvers is to make strategic decisions about how best to utilize the terrain. Additionally, ensuring the proper adjustment and positioning of soldiers is crucial for maintaining a protected flank.

How can terrain features be used to prevent an army from being flanked?

Commanders can prevent flanking by anchoring one or both sides of their defensive line on terrain that is impassable to the enemy. Examples of such terrain include gorges, lakes, or mountains, which effectively secure the flanks against attack.

Besides impassable terrain, what other natural features can be used to anchor a flank?

Natural features like woods, forests, rivers, and uneven or marshy ground can also serve to anchor a flank, though they may not be strictly impassable. Even in these cases, deploying skirmishers to cover the flanks is considered wise.

How might a friendly fortification, such as a castle, be incorporated into defending against a flank attack?

In exceptional circumstances, a friendly castle or fortress can anchor a flank. It is important not to fix the battle line directly to the fortress but to create a killing space between the fortress and the line. This allows enemy forces attempting to flank to be brought under fire from both the main battle line and the fortress garrison.

Provide examples of natural strongholds used as part of defensive flanks in a battle.

Natural strongholds were incorporated into defensive lines at the Battle of Gettysburg, where Union positions on Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill formed the right flank, and Big Round Top and Little Round Top protected the left flank.

How did field fortifications contribute to flank defense at the Battle of Waterloo?

At the Battle of Waterloo, Allied forces used field fortifications to protect their flanks. Specifically, the hamlet of Papelotte was fortified on the left flank, and the farmhouse of Hougoumont was fortified on the right flank.

What role did cavalry traditionally play when positioned on the flanks of an infantry battle line?

Traditionally, cavalry was placed on the flanks of the infantry battle line due to its speed and greater tactical flexibility. This allowed cavalry units to both launch flanking attacks against the enemy and defend against enemy flanking attempts.

How did the cavalry superiority of Hannibal contribute to his victory at the Battle of Cannae?

Hannibal's marked superiority in cavalry at the Battle of Cannae enabled his forces to chase off the Roman cavalry. This action was crucial in allowing Hannibal to complete the encirclement of the Roman legions, leading to his decisive victory.

What strategy did Miltiades employ at the Battle of Marathon to counter the numerically superior Persians?

To counter the numerically superior Persians and mitigate the danger of being flanked, Miltiades, the Athenian commander, lengthened the Athenian battle line. He achieved this by decreasing the depth of the center, spreading his forces wider.

What is the historical tradition regarding the placement of elite troops on the battlefield flanks?

There is a historical tradition of placing the best or most trusted troops on the flanks, as these positions are critical for defense and offensive maneuvers. For instance, at the Battle of Platea, the Tegeans and Athenians conceded the honor of the right flank, the most critical position in the hoplite system, to the Spartans.

How does the modern tradition of placing the most senior regiment on the right flank relate to historical flank importance?

The modern tradition of assigning the right flank to the most senior regiment present stems from the historical recognition of the flank's critical importance. This practice, seen as early as the Battle of Platea where the Spartans were given the right flank, has persisted into modern military customs.

Describe the echelon formation and its intended tactical purpose.

The echelon formation involves arranging units in a staggered or staircase-like pattern, either with equally strong divisions or a reinforced wing supported by smaller formations behind it. The intention is for the enemy to attack the exposed flanks of the foremost unit, only to be met by the echeloned units pushing forward to flank the attackers themselves.

Why did echelon formations often fail to achieve their intended tactical advantage in practice?

Echelon formations often failed in practice because enemy commanders recognized the tactic and resisted the temptation of attacking the seemingly exposed flanks of the foremost unit. This prudence prevented the cascade of engagements that the formation was designed to create.

What is the oblique order, and how does it differ from a standard echelon formation?

The oblique order is a tactic where one wing of an army is massively reinforced to create local superiority, aiming to obliterate that part of the enemy line. Weaker echeloned units fix the majority of the enemy troops, allowing the reinforced flank to then turn and roll up the enemy line from the side. Unlike a pure echelon, it focuses overwhelming force on one wing rather than a sequential engagement along the line.

How did the Roman chequerboard formation relate to the concept of echeloned units?

The Roman chequerboard formation, later adopted by Renaissance militaries, can be understood in relation to echeloned units. In this formation, each unit in the front line could be considered to have two lines of units echeloned behind it, providing depth and flexibility.

As armies grew larger, how did intervals between units impact tactics, and how did infantry adapt?

As armies grew larger, contiguous battle lines became impractical, necessitating intervals between units. These intervals created opportunities for fast-acting units like cavalry to flank individual units. In response, infantry subunits were trained to rapidly form squares, which presented no weak flank for cavalry to attack.

How did the advent of gunpowder warfare influence the use of intervals and flanking tactics?

The greater reach of gunpowder weapons allowed for increased intervals between military units. This raised the possibility of cavalry exploiting gaps in the line to perform flanking maneuvers. Consequently, the ability of infantry to rapidly form squares from a line became a mark of good training and effectiveness.

What is the objective of flanking at the operational level of warfare?

At the operational level, commanders aim to flank and outmaneuver entire enemy armies, rather than just individual units. This involves strategic movements designed to disrupt the enemy's overall position and force them into disadvantageous situations.

What historical plan exemplifies an attempt at operational flanking by bypassing enemy defenses?

The modified Schlieffen Plan, used by the Germans during the initial stages of World War I, is an infamous example of an operational flanking attempt. It aimed to avoid a direct confrontation with French armies by swinging through neutral Belgium to flank them.

How can commanders anchor their flanks at the operational level, similar to tactical anchoring?

At the operational level, commanders can anchor their flanks by utilizing natural geographic features or extensive defensive systems. Examples include the German Winter Line in Italy, anchored by the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, and the trench systems of the Western Front in World War I, which stretched from the North Sea to the Alps.

What is the purpose of flanking attacks into areas outside the main zone of contention during a stalemate?

Flanking attacks into areas outside the main zone of contention are attempted to break stalemates on the primary front. These operations can be decisive if successful, breaking into lightly held rear areas, or can relieve pressure on main front troops by forcing the enemy to divert resources.

Provide examples of successful and less successful flanking operations aimed at breaking stalemates.

The Battle of Inchon is cited as a shattering success of a flanking operation that broke into lightly held rear echelons. Operation Anzio, while not entirely successful, is an example where the operation relieved pressure on main front troops by forcing the enemy to divert resources.

What are some strategic objectives that flanking operations can serve?

Flanking operations can serve significant strategic objectives, such as the Allied invasion of Italy, the Battle of Gallipoli, and the Normandy landings during World War II. These operations aim to achieve broad strategic goals beyond immediate tactical gains.

How did Hannibal's strategic flanking maneuver against Rome differ from the typical route?

Hannibal employed a strategic flanking maneuver by crossing the Alps to attack Rome, rather than taking the more obvious or direct route. This unexpected approach bypassed Roman defenses and achieved strategic surprise.

How did Scipio Africanus counter Hannibal's strategic approach?

Scipio Africanus countered Hannibal not by directly confronting him in Italy, but by employing a strategic flanking maneuver himself. He first undermined Hannibal's power base in Iberia and then attacked Carthage, Hannibal's home city, forcing Hannibal's recall.

What characterizes a flanking attack at the strategic level of warfare?

At the strategic level, flanking involves a nation or group of nations surrounding and attacking an enemy from two or more directions simultaneously. This forces the flanked country to fight on multiple fronts, placing it at a significant disadvantage.

How did the fear of strategic flanking influence geopolitical actions during peacetime, using The Great Game as an example?

The fear of being strategically flanked drove political and diplomatic actions even in peacetime. During The Great Game between the British and Russian Empires, the fear of encirclement led both powers to expand their influence into regions like China and Southeast Asia to secure their positions.

What was the specific fear regarding British India's strategic position during The Great Game?

During The Great Game, the British feared that British India could be strategically flanked. This involved the possibility of Russia establishing a satellite state in Persia and Central Asia to the west and north, while also dominating China to the east, potentially isolating British India.

How did the British attempt to counterbalance Russian influence in China during The Great Game?

While Russia initially gained more concessions in China, the British counteracted this by cultivating the emerging Empire of Japan. They used Japan as a strategic counterweight against Russian influence, a relationship that eventually led to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.

How did the Cold War mirror aspects of The Great Game in terms of strategic flanking?

The Cold War mirrored The Great Game by featuring competition between the US and USSR for global influence, akin to strategic flanking. This competition manifested in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, with events like the division of Europe, proxy wars, and the Cuban Missile Crisis being critical strategic maneuvers.

What is the significance of the Battle of Marathon in relation to flanking maneuvers?

The Battle of Marathon is significant as an example where the Athenian commander Miltiades adjusted his formation to avoid being flanked by the numerically superior Persians. He lengthened his line by decreasing the depth of the center, a tactic to counter the threat of envelopment.

What does the image caption for the Battle of Marathon illustration describe?

The image caption for the Battle of Marathon illustration describes it as an example of the double-envelopment tactic, which is a specific form of flanking maneuver.

What does the image caption for the Battle of Kirkuk (1733) illustration depict?

The image caption for the Battle of Kirkuk (1733) illustration simply identifies the event depicted, which is the Battle of Kirkuk in 1733.

What does the image caption for the "Flanks of a stationary group" diagram illustrate?

The image caption for the diagram "Flanks of a stationary group" indicates that the image visually represents the concept of flanks in relation to a stationary formation.

What is the purpose of the "More citations needed" template at the beginning of the article?

The More citations needed template indicates that the article requires additional citations to verify its information. It prompts readers to help improve the article by adding references from reliable sources, noting that unsourced material may be challenged or removed.

What is the purpose of the "Unreferenced section" template found in later sections of the article?

The Unreferenced section template signifies that a particular section of the article does not cite any sources. It requests readers to help improve the section by adding citations to reliable sources, warning that unsourced material may be challenged and removed.

What does the term flank refer to in a military context?

In a military context, the term flank refers to the side of a military formation or position. A flanking maneuver involves moving around the enemy's front to attack these less defended sides.

How does the concept of friendly fire relate to flanking maneuvers?

Friendly fire is a significant concern during flanking maneuvers, particularly in ambushes or complex attacks. Commanders must carefully coordinate fields of fire and unit positioning to ensure that friendly forces do not accidentally engage each other while attempting to attack the enemy's flank.

What historical military unit type was historically crucial for executing flanking maneuvers due to its speed and mobility?

Historically, cavalry units were crucial for executing flanking maneuvers because of their inherent speed and greater tactical flexibility compared to infantry.

In modern warfare, what type of vehicle has largely taken over the role previously held by cavalry in flanking maneuvers?

In modern warfare, particularly since the 20th century, armored vehicles such as tanks have largely replaced cavalry as the primary force for conducting flanking maneuvers.

Flanking Maneuver Wiki: The Art of Strategic Envelopment: A Deep Dive into Flanking Maneuvers

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What is a Flanking Maneuver?

Defining the Maneuver

In the domain of military tactics, a flanking maneuver constitutes a strategic movement by an armed force around the side, or flank, of an opposing enemy force. The primary objective is to achieve a position of superior advantage relative to the adversary.^[1] This tactic leverages the inherent concentration of a force's combat strength along its front. By circumventing the enemy's primary defensive front and attacking its vulnerable flank, an attacking force can concentrate its offensive power where the enemy is least prepared to defend.

Scope of Application

The strategic implications of flanking extend beyond the immediate battlefield. Flanking maneuvers are not confined to tactical engagements but are also integral to the operational and strategic levels of warfare. Their effective execution can fundamentally alter the balance of power and dictate the overall course of a campaign or conflict.

Tactical Flanking

Ambush: The Surprise Assault

The first primary tactical maneuver is the ambush. This involves a unit executing a surprise attack from a concealed position. To enhance the effectiveness and achieve encirclement, allied units may be positioned to the sides of the ambush site. However, meticulous planning is required to manage fields of fire and prevent friendly fire incidents. Ambushes are typically favored by smaller, highly mobile forces operating in terrain conducive to concealment, such as exemplified by the Battle of Beaver Dams.

Direct Flank Attack: Pinning and Striking

The second tactical approach is employed when an attacking unit encounters an entrenched enemy defensive position. The strategy involves a portion of the attacking force engaging the enemy frontally to provide suppressive fire, thereby pinning the enemy and preventing them from reinforcing their flanks or retreating. Concurrently, a flanking force advances to attack the enemy's exposed side at close range. This method requires precise coordination to mitigate friendly fire and is often utilized by forces of comparable strength.

Double Envelopment: The Pincer Movement

The third, and often decisive, form of flanking maneuver is the double envelopment. This strategy entails simultaneous flanking attacks on both sides of the enemy formation. A classic illustration is Hannibal's masterful victory over the Roman army at the Battle of Cannae. This maneuver necessitates either significantly wider formations or gaps between units, which can weaken the center. It is most effectively employed when possessing numerical superiority or facing an opponent with insufficient cavalry support, as seen in battles like Gaugamela.

Maneuvering Through Eras

Pre-Modern Warfare

Historically, flanking maneuvers on land were predominantly executed by cavalry units, owing to their superior speed and mobility. These cavalry forces would typically flank the enemy, while heavily armored infantry would engage and pin the opposing front line. The Battle of Pharsalus serves as a notable example of this tactical paradigm.

The Age of Mechanization

With the advent of mechanized warfare in the 20th century, armored vehicles, particularly tanks, superseded cavalry as the primary instrument for executing flanking maneuvers. The Battle of France during World War II vividly demonstrated the transformative impact of armored thrusts in achieving strategic envelopment.

Defending Against the Flank

Leveraging Terrain

A fundamental aspect of defense against flanking involves the strategic utilization of terrain. Commanders can mitigate the risk of being outflanked by anchoring their lines on natural obstacles such as gorges, lakes, or mountainous regions, rendering them impassable to enemy forces. Historical instances include the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae and Hannibal at the Battle of Lake Trasimene. Even less formidable terrain, like woods or rivers, can serve to anchor a flank, though vigilance through skirmishers remains crucial.

Fortification and Prepared Positions

In certain circumstances, a flank may be secured by a fortified position, such as a castle or fortress. It is imperative, however, to establish a "killing space" between the fortress and the main battle line, allowing the garrison to engage enemy forces attempting to flank the field army. Natural strongholds can also be integrated into defensive lines, as seen at the Battle of Gettysburg with positions like Culp's Hill and Little Round Top. When time permits, field fortifications can be constructed or expanded to bolster flank defenses, as observed at the Battle of Waterloo.

Formations and Unit Disposition

When terrain offers no inherent advantage, the disposition of forces within the battle line becomes paramount. Traditionally, cavalry was positioned on the flanks of infantry formations due to their tactical flexibility, enabling both offensive flanking attacks and defensive screening. In the absence of effective cavalry, infantry units were trained to rapidly adopt defensive formations, such as squares, to present no vulnerable flank to enemy cavalry. The adoption of formations like the echelon formation or the oblique order, which concentrate strength on one flank to overwhelm a portion of the enemy line, also reflects the critical importance of flank security and exploitation.

Operational Flanking

Enveloping Entire Armies

At the operational level, commanders aim to flank and outmaneuver entire enemy armies, extending beyond tactical engagements. A prominent historical example is the modified Schlieffen Plan employed by Germany in World War I, which sought to bypass French frontal defenses by advancing through neutral Belgium. Such operations can be decisive, as demonstrated by the Battle of Inchon, or serve to relieve pressure on main fronts, as seen with the Anzio landings, by forcing the enemy to divert resources.

Opening Second Fronts

Similar to tactical defense, operational planning involves anchoring flanks. The German Winter Line in Italy during World War II, secured by the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, exemplifies this. When front lines become stalemated, flanking attacks into less defended areas can be initiated to break the deadlock. Strategic objectives, such as the Invasion of Italy, the Gallipoli campaign, and the Normandy landings, represent large-scale flanking operations with profound strategic consequences.

Strategic Flanking

Geopolitical Encirclement

On a strategic level, flanking manifests as a nation or coalition surrounding an adversary from multiple directions, forcing them to contend with threats on several fronts simultaneously. The Allied strategy against Nazi Germany in World War II is a prime example. This strategic posture can create significant disadvantages for the flanked nation.

Peacetime Maneuvers

The threat of strategic flanking profoundly influences geopolitical actions even during peacetime. The historical Great Game between the British and Russian Empires saw both powers expand their influence to avoid encirclement, leading to territorial competition in regions like China and Southeast Asia. The cultivation of alliances, such as the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, served as a counterweight to perceived strategic threats. Similarly, the Cold War involved intense competition between the US and USSR for global influence, employing proxy wars and crises like the Cuban Missile Crisis to gain strategic advantage.

Historical Examples

Ancient and Medieval Conflicts

The principles of flanking have been applied throughout military history. Ancient strategists like Hannibal utilized double envelopments, as at the Battle of Cannae. Miltiades's deployment at the Battle of Marathon demonstrates the importance of flank strength. In medieval and early modern periods, the use of cavalry for flanking remained critical, as seen in battles like Agincourt and the strategic maneuvers employed by Scipio Africanus against Carthage.

Modern and Contemporary Warfare

The 20th century saw flanking maneuvers evolve with the introduction of mechanized forces. The Battle of France showcased the power of armored breakthroughs. World Wars I and II featured large-scale operational flanking attempts, such as the Schlieffen Plan and the Allied encirclement of Germany. Amphibious landings like Normandy and Gallipoli represent strategic flanking operations aimed at opening new fronts and relieving pressure on existing ones.

Related Concepts

Further Study

Understanding flanking maneuvers is intrinsically linked to broader military concepts. Exploring related topics can provide a more comprehensive perspective on their application and significance.

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References

Herodotus, The Histories, Book Nine, sections 26 to 28

A full list of references for this article are available at the Flanking maneuver Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments in the field.

This is not professional military advice. The information presented herein should not substitute for consultation with qualified military strategists, historians, or defense analysts. Strategic decisions require expert judgment based on comprehensive intelligence and specific operational contexts. Always consult official doctrine and expert analysis for critical applications.

The creators of this page assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Flanking Maneuvers: The Strategic Advantage

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What is a Flanking Maneuver? ℹ️

🎯 Defining the Maneuver

🌐 Scope of Application

Tactical Flanking ⚔️

💥 Ambush: The Surprise Assault

🛡️ Direct Flank Attack: Pinning and Striking

🔄 Double Envelopment: The Pincer Movement

Maneuvering Through Eras ⏳

🐎 Pre-Modern Warfare

🪖 The Age of Mechanization

Defending Against the Flank 🛡️

⛰️ Leveraging Terrain

🏰 Fortification and Prepared Positions

☗ Formations and Unit Disposition

Operational Flanking 🗺️

🌍 Enveloping Entire Armies

➡️ Opening Second Fronts

Strategic Flanking 🌐

🌍 Geopolitical Encirclement

♟️ Peacetime Maneuvers

Historical Examples 📜

🏛️ Ancient and Medieval Conflicts

💣 Modern and Contemporary Warfare

Related Concepts 🔗

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Flanking Maneuver?

Defining the Maneuver

Scope of Application

Tactical Flanking

Ambush: The Surprise Assault

Direct Flank Attack: Pinning and Striking

Double Envelopment: The Pincer Movement

Maneuvering Through Eras

Pre-Modern Warfare

The Age of Mechanization

Defending Against the Flank

Leveraging Terrain

Fortification and Prepared Positions

Formations and Unit Disposition

Operational Flanking

Enveloping Entire Armies

Opening Second Fronts

Strategic Flanking

Geopolitical Encirclement

Peacetime Maneuvers

Historical Examples

Ancient and Medieval Conflicts

Modern and Contemporary Warfare

Related Concepts

Further Study

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice