What is the primary purpose of offensive combat?

The primary purpose of offensive combat is to destroy the enemy and his will to fight. This objective is fundamental to ensuring that the opposing forces are not only physically incapacitated but also psychologically demoralized, which can lead to their surrender, withdrawal, or significant reduction in combat effectiveness. In offensive operations, the emphasis is on seizing the initiative, applying pressure on the enemy, and exploiting vulnerabilities. This approach can lead to achieving strategic advantages, such as the complete disintegration of organized resistance and the establishment of control over the battlefield.

While maintaining defense strategies, establishing communication, and maneuvering troops into advantageous positions are important elements of military operations, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of engaging in offensive combat. The destruction of the enemy forces and their combat capability is what ultimately aims to bring about a resolution in favor of the attacking force.