Army Field Manual I Warfighting Tactics - Part 1 The Fundamentals | 2-3

Manoeuvrist approach21
2-05. The manoeuvrist approach is the Army’s fighting doctrine for the tactical level. It
determines the way we fight across the different types of operation, and is set in the
broader context of the audience and integrated action. It is an indirect approach which
emphasises effect on the enemy’s will. It blends lethal and non-lethal actions to achieve
objectives which shape the enemy’s understanding, undermine their will and break
their cohesion. It aims to apply strength against vulnerabilities. Significant features are
momentum,22 tempo,23 and agility,24 which in combination lead to shock and surprise.
It entails doing the unexpected, using initiative and seeking originality, coupled with a
relentless determination to succeed.

2-06. The manoeuvrist approach, enabled by mission command, has two specific requirements:
an attitude of mind and understanding of the enemy’s vulnerabilities.

a. An attitude of mind. The manoeuvrist approach requires an attitude of mind that

seeks indirect solutions to reduce the enemy’s will to fight, by pitching our strength
against enemy vulnerability, rather than strength. This indirect approach emphasises
the use of initiative to act in original ways unexpected by the enemy and a relentless
determination to retain the initiative and exploit success. It does not preclude
destruction of the enemy so long as the results sought are disproportionately greater
than the resources applied and the enemy’s will to fight is undermined and their
cohesion shattered. It depends on practical knowledge, agility, mission command and
the willingness to accept risks.

b. An understanding of the enemy’s vulnerabilities. The manoeuvrist approach

requires understanding of the enemy’s vulnerabilities, both before contact and as they
appear and evolve during battle. Centre of gravity analysis can be a useful tool for this.
The manoeuvrist approach guides us to find, attack, and exploit these vulnerabilities
in an enemy’s strength. Additionally, commanders must consider carefully how the
enemy themselves might apply the manoeuvrist approach. They must understand their
own centre of gravity and critical vulnerabilities, and protect their forces accordingly.
Contextual understanding is also necessary. The manoeuvrist approach is not executed
in isolation from wider contextual and operational factors, for example, domestic
appetite for risk and casualties (of friendly and enemy forces), or second and third
order effects of actions taken.

21 The manoeuvrist approach is the British Army’s fighting doctrine for the tactical level and is described in detail in ADP Land
Operations, Chapter 5. This description is consistent with NATO AJP-3.2 Allied Joint Doctrine for Land Operations, Chapter
2-7.
22 ADP Land Operations, paragraph 5-11. Momentum is the driving force of a moving object. Maintaining momentum keeps
an enemy off-balance and enables a commander to retain the initiative.
23 ADP Land Operations, paragraph 5-08. Tempo is the rate of activity of operations relative to an enemy’s. It is about acting
more quickly than the enemy.
24 Such as dispersing and concentrating to both protect our forces and surprise our enemies.