Task Verbs Flashcards
(41 cards)
Block
A tactical task that denies the
enemy access to their area or
prevents their advance in a
given direction or along an
Avenue of Approach.
Breach
A tactical task where any means
available are employed to break
through or secure a passage through
an enemy defence, obstacle,
minefield or fortification.
Bypass
A tactical task which involves
manoeuvring around an obstacle,
position or enemy force to maintain
the momentum of advance.
Canalise
Army – A tactical task to restrict
enemy movement to a narrow zone
by the use of obstacles, fires or
friendly manoeuvre
Clear
A tactical task to remove all
enemy forces from a specific
location, area or zone
Contain
To stop, hold or surround the forces
of the enemy or to cause the enemy
to centre activity on a given front, and
to prevent the enemy with drawing
any part of the forces for use
elsewhere.
Counterattack
A tactical task, which consists of an
attack by parts or all of a defending
force against an enemy attacking
force. Specific purposes such as
regaining lost ground, cutting off or
destroying enemy advanced units,
with the general objective of denying
the enemy the purpose of attack. In
sustained defence activities, it is
undertaken to restore the battle
position and is directed at limited
objective
Delay
A tactical task in which a force under
pressure trades space for time by
slowing down the enemy’s movement
and inflicting maximum damage on
the enemy without in principle
becoming decisively engaged
Destroy
A tactical task to physically
render an enemy force combat-
ineffective unless it is
reconstituted
Disrupt
A tactical task that breaks apart an
enemy’s formation and tempo,
interrupts the enemy’s timetable,
causes premature commitment of
forces and/or splinters their attack.
Fix
A tactical task in which actions
are taken to prevent the enemy
from moving any part of their
forces from a specific location
and/or for a specific period of
time by holding or surrounding
them to prevent their withdrawal
for use elsewhere.
Interdict
To carry out a tactical task to
prevent, hinder or delay the use
of an area or route by enemy
forces
Neutralise
To render enemy personnel or
material incapable of interfering
with a particular operation.
Occupy
A tactical task in which a force
moves onto an objective, key
terrain or other man-made or
natural terrain area without
opposition and controls that
entire area.
Penetrate
In land operations, the breaking
through of the enemy’s defence and
disrupting the defensive system.
Relief in Place
An operation in which, by direction of
higher authority, all or part of a unit is
replaced in an area by the incoming
unit. The responsibilities of the
replaced elements for the mission
and the assigned zone of operations
are transferred to the incoming unit.
The incoming unit continues the
operation as ordered
Screen
A tactical task to observe, identify and
report on enemy movement and to
deny the enemy direct observation of
our movement and/or disposition
Secure
In an operational context, to gain
possession of a position or terrain
feature, with or without force, and to
make such dispositions as will
prevent, as far as possible, its
destruction or loss by enemy action.
Guard
A security element whose primary
task is to protect the main force by
fighting to gain time while also
observing and reporting information
Seize
A tactical task to clear a designated
area and gain control of it.
Withdraw
Army – A tactical task where a force
in contact disengages from the
enemy and moves in a direction
away from the enemy.
Retain
A tactical task to occupy and hold a
terrain feature to ensure it is free of
enemy occupation or use.
Isolate
A tactical task given to a unit to seal
off an enemy from its sources of
support, to deny an enemy freedom
of movement and prevent it from
having contact with other enemy
forces.
Follow and Support
An operation in which a committed
force follows and supports the
mission accomplishment of a force
conducting an offensive operation.
Such a force is not a reserve, but is
committed to accomplish specified
tasks
