FM 3-34.22 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

Chapter 6
6-46. If the BCT is the turning force, the supporting attack may be more in the nature of the follow-andassume
or follow-and-support force within the BCT axis of attack. As such, the possibility of shifting
engineer assets is more possible than in a form of maneuver like a frontal attack. Instilling flexibility within
the task organization of engineer assets always presents a challenge to the engineer planner. The ability to
transition from a focus on mobility to one of countermobility and then back to mobility is critical.
FRONTAL ATTACK
6-47. A frontal attack (see figure 6-4) is a form of maneuver where an attacking force seeks to destroy a
weaker enemy force or fix a larger enemy force in place over a broad front. A maneuver force may conduct
a frontal attack to rapidly overrun a weak enemy force. A commander commonly uses a frontal attack as a
shaping operation in conjunction with other forms of maneuver. Normally, a frontal attack is employed
to—
� Clear enemy security forces.
� Overwhelm a shattered enemy during an exploitation or pursuit.
� Fix enemy forces as part of a shaping operation.
� Conduct a reconnaissance in force.
Figure 6-4. Example of a frontal attack against a stationary enemy force
6-48. It is also necessary to conduct a frontal attack when assailable flanks do not exist. Where a
penetration is a sharp attack designed to rupture enemy position, the commander designs a frontal attack to
maintain continuous pressure along the entire front until a breach occurs or the attacking forces succeed in
pushing the enemy back. Frontal attacks conducted without overwhelming combat power are seldom
decisive. Consequently, the commander’s choice to conduct a frontal attack in situations where he does not
have overwhelming combat power is rarely justified, unless the time gained is vital to the success of the
operation. Engineers are involved with ensuring the mobility of the force, with little opportunity to shift
engineer assets once committed. A commander conducting a frontal attack organizes the unit into an
element for reconnaissance and security operations, a main body, and a reserve. The mission variables
dictate the specific task organization. A frontal attack should almost always include significant combat
engineer augmentation.
6-10 FM 3-34.22 11 February 2009