MANEUVER
Section I. INTRODUCTION
3-1. GENERAL
a. Maneuver is a principle of war, an element of combat power, and a battlefield operating system.
(1) Principle of war: "Place the enemy in a position of disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power." (FM 100-5, Jun 93, p 2-5)
(2) Element of combat power: "* * * movement of combat forces to gain positional advantage, usually in order to deliver—or threaten delivery of—direct and indirect fires.* * *
"Commanders may achieve the effects of maneuver without movement by allowing the enemy to move into a disadvantageous position. * * * Maneuver is rarely effective without firepower and protection." (FM 100-5, Jun 93, p 2-10)
(3) Maneuver operating system: "* * * movement [or employment of forces] relative to the enemy to put him at a disadvantage * * * to create the conditions for tactical and operational success." (FM 100-5, Jun 93, p 2-13)
b. Infantry, armor, cavalry, and attack helicopter forces compose the maneuver operating system. In general, light infantry is most effective during limited visibility, where fields of fire are limited, and where the battle must be decided by close, hand-to-hand combat. Mechanized infantry and armor forces are most effective where terrain favors mobile combat and provides fields of fire at extended ranges. Cavalry units, though designed to perform reconnaissance and security missions, defend or delay against larger forces when terrain favors mounted combat. Finally, attack helicopter units, though unable to seize terrain or effectively contend with a dug-in enemy, are highly mobile and can provide accurate, lethal, long-range antitank fires to destroy moving armored vehicles or deny avenues of approach.