Assaults: The Guide to Success

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Commandment #10:

Attacks take time. Time is needed to find the best point of attack, move the men into position, and march them to the point of attack. Even more time, and blood, is needed for the troops to break the defensive line. Finally, it will take time to defeat the supports and widen the breakthrough. If you don't have the time, don't attack.

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Key Term #11:

Experience - the ability of a regiment to withstand casualties. A lower experience unit will fall back out of firing range sooner than a more experienced one, weakening the firepower at the point of attack. Thus, lower experience units should not be expected to last long in firefights, and should only used in attacks which promise to be swift.

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Tip #12:

Keep a light artillery battery in reserve. It will be needed to play on the defender during the break-out, preferably close to the original point of attack. Moving an engaged battery takes pressure off of the enemy troops, as well as fatigueing the unit, decreasing its effectiveness.

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Tip #13:

Look for a point of attack with some sort of defensive terrain on your side of it. It will protect the attacking troops as they are engaged in firefighting the enemy's troops, increasing their effectiveness.

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Commandment #14:

The best point of attack is where the enemy is weakest. If the defender's line extends along a ridge and is studded with artillery batteries, find a place where the ridge is the lowest, the terrain least favorable for defense, or a gap between batteries.

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Principle #15:

Defensive lines are generally weakest on the flanks. Flank attacks tend to be less costly up front, and swifter to reach the break-through point.

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Tip #16:

If you believe that you have lost your chance of success during the firefight period, move your supports forward and withdraw your first line. Do not hope that the enemy will break by leaving your troops in place, or engage the supports with the purpose of breaking the defensive line. Both strategies will result in greater casualties than neccessary for a defeat.

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Tip #17:

For a flank attack, your first line should be composed of two brigades, each in a line of battle, adjacent to each other, so that the one brigade strikes the flank in the front and the other can pivot on the enemy flank.

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Principle #18:

Draw as many troops as you can away from the point of attack. This can be done via a diversion, extending the flank, or bombardment by artillery. In fights where each side has an equal number of men, it is of utmost importantance that you draw away the majority of the troops to a location away from the point of attack, yet you must not let your troops become heavily engaged or your forces split; you will need all your men at some point.

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Key Term #19:

Success - is only when the enemy is unable to bring the attacker to a stop. Defenders win if the attacker retreats or is driven to a standstill. Attackers win only if the defenders retreat.