MLC - Decisive Action - Offensive Tasks

Question 1

Define Decisive Action - Offensive Tasks

Answer 1

An offensive task is conducted to defeat and destroy enemy forces and seize terrain, resources, and population centers.

Question 2

Explain Decisive Action - Four Offensive Tasks

Answer 2

Movement to contact
Attack
Exploit
Pursuit

Question 3

Explain Decisive Action - Six Purposes for Offensive Tasks

Answer 3

Dislocate
Isolate
Disrupt
Destroy enemy forces
Seize key terrain
Deprive the enemy of resources
Develop intelligence
Divert the enemy
Provide a secure environment for stability tasks

Question 4

Explain Decisive Action - Four Characteristics of Offensive Tasks

Answer 4

Audacity
Concentration
Surprise
Tempo

Question 5

Elaborate on Decisive Action - Offensive Tasks

Answer 5

Offensive tasks impose the commander’s will on the enemy. Against a capable, adaptive enemy, the offense is the most direct and sure means of seizing, retaining, and exploiting the initiative to gain physical and psychological advantages and achieve definite results. In the offense, the decisive operation is a sudden, shattering action against an enemy weakness that capitalizes on speed, surprise, and shock. If that operation does not destroy the enemy, operations continue until enemy forces disintegrate or retreat to where they no longer pose a threat. Executing offensive tasks compels the enemy to react, creating or revealing additional weaknesses that the attacking force can exploit.