Which of the following is a form of offense action?

• A. Movement to contact
• B. Mobile defense
• C. Retrograde
• D. Feint

Answer: (A)

Offensive actions are those that seek to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative to defeat the enemy. Movement to contact fits this purpose best because its primary aim is to gain actual contact with the enemy and fix them so your force can mass for the main effort and begin the attack. It starts the offensive by pushing into the enemy’s positions and creating the opportunity to prevail in combat on your terms.

In contrast, a mobile defense is oriented to denying the attacker and preserving force, which is a defensive posture. A retrograde involves withdrawing to avoid or reduce losses, also a defensive movement. A feint is deception used to mislead the enemy about your intentions and can support both offense and defense, but it is not, by itself, an offensive action.