What is a turning movement?
Q: What is a turning movement?
A: A turning movement is a military tactic where one part of a command holds the enemy from the front while the other part moves around to attack the enemy's rear or flank.
Q: How is a turning movement different from an envelopment or a flanking maneuver?
A: Unlike an envelopment or a flanking maneuver, a turning movement operates beyond the distance where the two forces could usually support each other.
Q: What is the purpose of a turning movement?
A: The purpose of a turning movement is to strike a vital part of the enemy's rear.
Q: Why is it often easier for an enemy force to avoid an envelopment than a turning movement?
A: It is often easier for an enemy force to avoid an envelopment than a turning movement because the latter often seeks to avoid enemy contact until they are deep in the enemy's rear.
Q: What does the enemy need to do to counter a turning movement?
A: To counter a turning movement, the enemy must either abandon their position or turn to meet the new threat.
Q: Is a turning movement a variation of the envelopment tactic?
A: Yes, a turning movement is a variation of the envelopment tactic.
Q: What happens to the enemy in a turning movement?
A: Faced with a new threat in his rear area, the enemy is "turned" out of his defensive position and forced to act.
