Which Offensive Characteristic is defined as striking the enemy at an unexpected time/place/manner?

Which Offensive Characteristic is defined as striking the enemy at an unexpected time/place/manner?

• A. Surprise
• B. Concentration
• C. Tempo
• D. Audacity

Answer: (A)

Surprise is the element being tested. It means striking the enemy at an unexpected time, place, or manner, so they’re caught off guard and can’t react effectively. When surprise is achieved, the enemy loses initiative, decision speed slows, and the attacker can seize the initiative and set the terms of the fight. This can be accomplished through deception, unusual timing (like attacking at night or at an unexpected hour), unexpected routes or approaches, or moving through terrain the enemy doesn’t expect. Concentration focuses on bringing a large force to bear at a decisive point, tempo is about the pace and rhythm of operations to keep the enemy off balance, and audacity is bold, aggressive action. While those traits are important, they don’t inherently involve striking the enemy when they don’t expect it, which is the essence of surprise.

Surprise is the element being tested. It means striking the enemy at an unexpected time, place, or manner, so they’re caught off guard and can’t react effectively. When surprise is achieved, the enemy loses initiative, decision speed slows, and the attacker can seize the initiative and set the terms of the fight. This can be accomplished through deception, unusual timing (like attacking at night or at an unexpected hour), unexpected routes or approaches, or moving through terrain the enemy doesn’t expect.

Concentration focuses on bringing a large force to bear at a decisive point, tempo is about the pace and rhythm of operations to keep the enemy off balance, and audacity is bold, aggressive action. While those traits are important, they don’t inherently involve striking the enemy when they don’t expect it, which is the essence of surprise.