Tactical Terminologies?

Question

Can anyone give me some idea where to get drawings or sketch of tactical terminologies like envelopement, turning movement, penetration , double envelopement and encirclement?

Answer 1

An 'envelopment' is a means of achieving an encirclement. Typically an attack will be conducted in such a manner so as to get behind the enemy and prevent their retreat. The more correct term here is 'single envelopment' because here you are coming around one side of the enemy. The goal is to encircle the enemy so they cannot retreat. If you can do this (it is very hard because the enemy will be trying to keep this from happening) the enemy force will typically be totally destroyed.

An example of this would be the famous ' Left Hook' attack during the ground war in the Gulf war.

A 'turning movement' is when you initially attack in one direction but then turn during the battle and continue the attack in another direction. This is an extremely difficult maneuver and requires extremely talented people at all levels - from the commanding general to the lowest private. However if you can pull this off you will usually be able to envelope the enemy force. Again, an excellent historical example of this is the 'Left Hook' during the Gulf war.

Penetration is a simple concept. You are punching a hole through the enemy defenses. This allows you to either continue your attack behind the enemy's defenses or conduct a turning movement and envelope the enemy. This sort of even usually results in a race. Can the enemy either retreat or contain your penetration before you can either envelope him or seize a strategic objective? A historical example here would be the 'Battle of the Bulge' in World War II.

A double envelopment is very rare and very hard to achieve. During a single envelopment the enemy generally has a chance to pull a portion of his assets out of the enveloped area before you can complete the encirclement. In a double envelopment the enemy cannot retreat because you are coming around from both sides. A general who achieves this will usually achieve a 'total victory' that results in the complete destruction of the enemy army. A historical example would be the battle of Cannae during the Punic Wars. (216 BC)

Answer 2

Try to look in your library for this book:
Luttwak Edward and Koehl Stuart L., The Dictionary of Modern War, Harper Collins, New York NY (1991)

Answer 3

Are you a Islamic terrorist??? Or better yet, why don't you join the Armed Forces of the USA and you'll find out what all of this is about.

Answer 4

Amen!!