Mass of maneuver refers to a military concept that denotes the concentration of forces and resources in order to achieve a tactical advantage over an opponent. It involves consolidating a significant amount of combat power at a specific location or along a particular axis to overwhelm the enemy's defenses or exploit a weakness in their lines. The aim of massing forces is to gain superiority and create a decisive impact on the battlefield.
This concept is based on the principle that concentrated power is more effective than dispersed forces. By concentrating troops, equipment, and logistical support, commanders can achieve numerical superiority and overwhelm the opposing forces. The massing of forces enables the military to synchronize and coordinate various maneuvers, commitments, and combined arms operations to achieve the desired outcomes.
In practice, massing of troops can take various forms, such as a concentrated assault on a specific enemy position, a flanking maneuver, or a swift penetration through the enemy's defensive lines. The intent is to create a force imbalance and exploit it by overwhelming the enemy's ability to respond effectively.
To execute a mass of maneuver successfully, detailed planning, coordination, and synchronization of the various elements of the force are essential. This includes factors such as timing, positioning, logistics, and communication to ensure the concentrated force can act cohesively and capitalize on the momentum generated by the massing strategy.
Overall, the concept of mass of maneuver is rooted in the idea that concentrated strength can have a decisive impact on the outcome of military operations, enabling a force to overcome an opponent's defenses and achieve victory.
