AttackPhasen

AttackPhasen is a term used in German-language discourse to describe the sequential stages of an offensive operation or engagement. The concept abstracts an attack into discrete phases to aid planning, execution, and assessment. The exact number and naming of phases vary, but common patterns include preparation, movement to contact, engagement, exploitation or breakthrough, and consolidation or pursuit. Some models also include reconnaissance, feints, or mopping-up as separate phases.

In military planning and wargaming, AttackPhasen provide a framework for allocating resources, coordinating units, and triggering decision points. In games and simulations, the concept is often implemented as a phase-based rule set or state machine, where entering a phase changes allowed actions and outcomes.

Implementation considerations: phase transitions may be time-based or event-driven; designers should account for uncertainty, morale, supply, and the influence of terrain and weather. Advantages include clearer planning, communication, and learning; limitations include potential oversimplification of fluid combat and reduced adaptability if phases are treated rigidly.

Origin and usage: The term appears in German military education, wargaming communities, and certain design documents. See also: phase-based strategy, engagement, operational planning.