What does a successful attack typically aim to secure?

A successful attack typically aims to secure both enemy forces and terrain because these objectives are critical to achieving overall strategic goals in a military operation.

By targeting enemy forces, an attack can significantly weaken the opponent’s capabilities to respond or continue operations. Eliminating or incapacitating enemy troops disrupts their command structure and can lead to a collapse of morale, which is essential for achieving dominance in the battlefield.

Securing terrain, on the other hand, provides a strategic advantage. Controlling key locations enhances the operational capabilities of friendly forces while denying the same to the enemy. Terrain can be crucial for various reasons, including providing cover, enabling better lines of sight for observation and targeting, and facilitating movement for troops and supplies.

In many military strategies, the synergy between disrupting enemy forces and securing valuable terrain serves to provide a solid foundation for further operations and long-term success in a campaign. Therefore, the combination of these two elements underscores the importance of attacking with a focus on both dimensions to fully capitalize on the advantages gained during the engagement.