Final answer:
A flanking maneuver is a military tactic where forces maneuver around the side of an enemy rather than a frontal attack. This often surprising move targets the enemy's side or rear, exploiting their vulnerability. Four primary offensive maneuvers are the envelopment, turning movement, penetration, and frontal attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maneuvering around the side of an army rather than attacking directly from the front is referred to as a flanking maneuver. This tactic involves attacking the enemy's side or flank, where they are less protected. The purpose is to surprise the enemy from a direction they are not expecting and could be more vulnerable. The use of flanking maneuvers can be seen throughout military history, including historical battles such as the Battle of Vicksburg during the American Civil War, where General Grant captured Vicksburg using a siege but also incorporated flanking tactics.
Offensive operations consist of four primary maneuver tasks: envelopment, where forces bypass the enemy's front to attack a flank or rear; turning movement, aiming to make the enemy abandon their position or divert major forces to meet the threat; penetration, which breaks through the enemy's defense to disrupt their coherence; and finally, frontal attack, which focuses on the enemy's front forces to fix them in place.