What is Offensive (military)?
{{War}} An '''offensive''' is an [[aggressive]] [[military operation]] usually aimed at an [[enemy]] [[Army|force]]. It is also called an [[attack]], an [[advance]] or an [[invasion]]. An offensive can be conducted on [[land]], at [[Ocean|sea]] or in the [[air]].<ref>Quincy Wright, ''A Study of War'' (Chicago; London: University of Chicago press, 1983), p. 8</ref> A common goal of an offensive is to engage the enemy in a [[battle]]. It can also be used to get an enemy to withdraw and avoid a battle.<ref>Sun Tzu; Bin Sun, ''The Art of War: Sun Tzu: In Plain English'' (Lincoln, NE: Writer's Club Press, 2002), p. 15</ref> A tactical offensive is an operation that is usually smaller or more limited. It often involves the use of [[special forces]] (or specialized forces).<ref name=Goltz45>Colmar Goltz, ''The Conduct of War: A Brief Study of Its Most Important Principles and Forms'' (Kansas City, MO: Hudson-Kimberly Publishing, 1896), p. 45</ref> It often has a limited [[task]] such as the capture of a [[bridge]] or [[stronghold]].<ref name=Goltz45/> A strategic offensive usually involves larger forces and usually has long-range goals. == References == {{reflist}} {{military-stub}} [[Category:Military terminology]]