The oblique order, also called the oblique attack is a military tactic to bring a larger force against one of the enemy's flanks. At the same time the remainder of the force is used to distract and keep the enemy line in place. This is a good tactic if the attacking force is larger in size. Frederick the Great is credited with inventing the oblique order. He would use a large number of troops on one of the flanks to destroy that section, then drive into the enemy from two directions. The word oblique comes from the Middle English word oblike, which comes from the Latin word oblīquus meaning "slanted". In military usage, oblique usually means at an angle, often 45 degrees.
Oblique order
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the oblique order or oblique attack military tactic?
A: The oblique order or oblique attack military tactic is a strategy to bring a larger force against one of the enemy's flanks while distracting and keeping the enemy line in place.
Q: When is the oblique order effective?
A: The oblique order is effective when the attacking force is larger in size.
Q: Who is credited with inventing the oblique order?
A: Frederick the Great is credited with inventing the oblique order.
Q: How did Frederick the Great use the oblique order?
A: Frederick the Great would use a large number of troops on one of the flanks to destroy that section, then drive into the enemy from two directions.
Q: What is the origin of the word oblique?
A: The word oblique comes from the Middle English word oblike, which comes from the Latin word oblīquus meaning "slanted".
Q: What does the term oblique mean in military usage?
A: In military usage, oblique usually means at an angle, often 45 degrees.
Q: What is the purpose of distracting and keeping the enemy line in place in the oblique order military tactic?
A: The purpose of distracting and keeping the enemy line in place in the oblique order military tactic is to prevent the enemy from reinforcing their flank that is being attacked.