attack

a combination of fire and swift movements of units and subunits in order to strike and rout the enemy. An attack is carried out by the coordinated efforts of the various combat arms; it is completed by point-blank firing and the use of hand grenades and side arms (bayonets and other weapons). Infantry, cavalry, tank, air, torpedo (in naval combat), and other forms of attack may be distinguished. The forms of attack have changed considerably as a result of the development of war matériel, organization of troops, and quality of personnel. In modern combined arms combat an attack is carried out by tank and motorized rifle troops with the support of artillery fire and air strikes; the attack is secured by engineering, chemical, and other special troops. An attack is carried out at the start of an offensive from march column or from an occupied position in direct contact with the enemy. The artillery and aviation carry out preparation fire and provide fire support during the attack. Motorized rifle troops attack most frequently behind tanks, moving either on foot or in armored personnel carriers. A successful attack requires careful preparation and the organization of efficient cooperation. Cavalry attacks were of great importance in combat operations until the early 20th century, and they played an important role during the Civil War in the USSR. Air attacks against hostile air forces are carried out by single fighter planes and groups of fighters. In naval combat, attacks are carried out by all the combat arms of the navy—most frequently, naval aviation, submarines, and torpedo boats.