text: FM 7-100.1________________________________________________________________________________
  3-100. Spoiling attacks are characterized by
  • A requirement to have a clear picture of enemy preparations and dis-
  positions.
  • A number of independent subordinate unit actions.
  • Highly focused objectives.
  • The possibility that a spoiling attack may open a window of opportu-
  nity for other operations.
  3-101. The OPFOR seeks to have the following conditions met in order to
  conduct a spoiling attack:
  • RISTA establishes a picture of enemy attack preparations.
  • Enemy security, reserve, and response forces are located and tracked.
  • Enemy ground reconnaissance in the attack zone is destroyed or ren-
  dered ineffective.
  3-102. Spoiling attacks are actually executed using one of the other types of
  offensive action as the base method: integrated attack, dispersed attack, or
  sophisticated ambush. Thus, the forces engaged in a spoiling attack would be
  organized accordingly. The primary difference between a spoiling attack and
  the other types of limited-objective attack is the purpose of the attack.
  Counterattack
  3-103. A counterattack is designed to cause an enemy offensive operation to
  culminate and allow the OPFOR to return to offensive operations. A counter-
  attack is designed to control the tempo of operations by returning the initia-
  tive to the OPFOR. Like a spoiling attack, a counterattack often develops as
  a situational attack, when the commander wishes to take advantage of a
  fleeting opportunity. The difference is that the counterattack occurs after the
  enemy begins his attack. See Figure 3-9 for an example of a counterattack.
  3-104. Counterattacks are characterized by
  • A shifting in command and support relationships to assume an offen-
  sive posture for the counterattacking force.
  • A proper identification that the enemy is at or near culmination.
  • The planned rapid transition of the remainder of the force to offensive
  operations.
  • The possibility that a counterattack may open a window of opportu-
  nity for other operations.
  3-105. The OPFOR seeks to set the following conditions for a counterattack:
  • Locate and track enemy reserve forces and cause them to be committed.
  • Destroy enemy reconnaissance forces that could observe counterattack
  preparations.