Flanking Maneuver

A flanking maneuver is the act of attacking an enemies exposed side (or “flank”) during battle. In slang terms, it is “to flank” someone, for short. It is a time-tested tactic that has been used on battlefields for as long as there have been wars, but metaphorical flanking maneuvers can be performed as well (more on that further down).

Flanking, as we understand it, is a very broad military tactic which has been used in warfare for millenia. Knowing how flanking can be performed on all three Levels of Warfare will give you a better idea of how to make use of the concept on digital battlefields and during Anonymous Operations.

The traditional flanking maneuver happens on the tactical level. As a fighting force is typically concentrated towards the front, many methods have been developed to attack the vulnerable flank. There are many ways this can be done. Sometimes this takes the form of an ambush, where one waits for the enemy's strongest frontline forces to pass by, offering easy access to the flanks.

One can also split their forces into two groups, with one group laying down suppressive fire as a diversion, while the second group loops around to attack the exposed flank. These types of flanking attacks can be especially devastating, as they force the enemy to defend themselves from multiple directions, reducing their forward attack strength. In these cases, care must be taken to avoid friendly-fire, as attacking an enemy from multiple angles in this way can accidentally endanger friendly forces on the other side of the enemy's position.