text: Chapter 6
  Figure 6-3. Task organized for a movement to contact
  ATTACK
  6-91. Attack is a type of offensive operation that destroys or defeats enemy forces, seizes and secures terrain,
  or both (FM 3-90). Attacks are violent engagements incorporating movement supported by fires against an
  enemy position with a force whose disposition is known and reasonably understood. However, based on
  mission variable analysis the commander may decide to conduct an attack using only fires. Attacks may be
  either a decisive or setting the conditions for future operation and, depending on the time available for
  planning, are characterized as either hasty or deliberate. An attack differs from a movement to contact
  because, in an attack, the commander knows part of the enemy's disposition. This knowledge enables the
  commander to better synchronize the attack and employ combat power more effectively in an attack than in
  a movement to contact. For more information on attack see FM 3-90.
  6-92. During the attack, less centralized control of fires is used because the supported force will have the
  initiative. Allocation of FA fires for the supported command's main effort helps control the tempo of offensive
  operations. The main effort must be weighted by providing adequate FA fires.
  6-93. As the attacking force moves forward, preparation fire destroys, neutralizes, or suppresses enemy
  positions and weapons systems. As defined in chapter 3, preparation fire is a brief, intense bombardment on
  selected targets or a prolonged effort over time covering a large number of targets. In planning fires, the
  supported commander and FSCOORD must weigh the probable effects of preparation fire against the
  achievement of surprise and the creation of obstacles capable of impeding friendly force movements.
  Preparation fire can continue while ground maneuver elements are moving. Preparation fire is planned by the
  commander planning the attack. The preparation fire may be phased as follows: