Which of the following are the three phases of combat?

The three phases of combat are Preparation, Contact, and Exploitation, making this the correct answer.

In the Preparation phase, forces arrange their tactics, build situational awareness, and prepare for confrontation. This stage is crucial as it involves gathering intelligence and ensuring all resources and personnel are ready for the upcoming conflict.

The Contact phase involves the initial encounter with the enemy. This is where forces engage and assess the level of resistance they face, which influences tactical decisions going forward.

Finally, the Exploitation phase focuses on advancing the initiative gained during the Contact phase. Here, the goal is to capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses, maintaining pressure and momentum to achieve overarching strategic objectives.

The other options represent phases or concepts that are not recognized in the context of tactical combat operations. For example, Planning, Execution, and Follow-up may refer to overall military operations but do not accurately capture the specific flow of combat engagement. Similarly, Deployment, Combat, and Withdrawal emphasize broader operational aspects rather than the engagement dynamics once combat begins.