What defines maneuver warfare?

Maneuver warfare is defined as a doctrine that emphasizes rapid, flexible, and opportunistic engagements, prioritizing speed and the ability to exploit the enemy’s weaknesses. This approach seeks to outmaneuver the opponent, applying pressure in unexpected ways, and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise. The essence of maneuver warfare is to create confusion and uncertainty in the enemy's decision-making process, forcing them to react to the actions rather than controlling the battlefield.

In maneuver warfare, commanders leverage speed and mobility not simply to defeat enemy forces but to disrupt their cohesion and operations. This can lead to decisive engagements, where an enemy’s ability to respond is hampered by the unexpected nature of an attack. By embracing flexibility, military forces can adapt to changing circumstances on the battlefield, making quick decisions to seize the initiative.

The other options do not capture the principles of maneuver warfare effectively. Heavy artillery focuses on direct firepower, economic warfare concentrates on destabilizing an economy rather than engaging in direct conflict, and static defense emphasizes a fixed position rather than the dynamic operations central to maneuver warfare. Thus, the doctrine’s core tenet is best represented by the focus on rapid and flexible engagements to maintain the initiative and dictate the terms of the fight.