What does the term "envelopment" mean in military tactics?

The term "envelopment" in military tactics refers to the strategy of maneuvering forces to attack the enemy's flank or rear while simultaneously avoiding a direct confrontation with their front line. This approach allows a military unit to exploit vulnerabilities in the enemy's formation, creating confusion and disarray. By attacking from the sides or the rear, the envelopment can lead to encirclement and minimize the strength of the enemy's defensive position.

This tactic is effective because it can change the dynamics of an engagement significantly, allowing the attacking force to gain the upper hand and potentially achieve a decisive victory without the losses that might accompany a frontal assault. The key advantage lies in the ability to apply pressure on multiple fronts, often leading to quick and overwhelming results.

In contrast, other options describe different tactical situations that do not align with the concept of envelopment. For example, holding a defensive position refers to a strategy aimed at maintaining control over a specific area. A coordinated air and ground offensive involves simultaneous operations from both air and land forces but does not specifically reference the maneuvering aspect of envelopment. Forcing the enemy to retreat without engagement suggests a strategy based on intimidation or psychological operations rather than a direct tactical maneuver to envelop them.