Vorstöße

Vorstöße is a military term used in German to describe incursions or thrusts into enemy-held territory. The word comes from vor (“ahead”) and Stoß (“thrust” or “push”) and denotes a limited, often preliminary action rather than a full-scale breakthrough. In military analysis, a Vorstoß refers to a short- to medium-range offensive aimed at penetrating defensive lines, seizing terrain, or threatening enemy flanks and rear areas, without immediately attempting to force a decisive result.

Typically conducted with surprise, concentrated forces, and targeted reconnaissance, a Vorstoß seeks limited objectives such as gaining a foothold, disrupting rear-area security, or compelling the opponent to redeploy reserves. It is usually time-bound and may be followed by exploitation or by feints to keep the defender off balance. While a Vorstoß can create favorable conditions for a larger operation, it also carries the risk of high losses if the attacker fails to achieve its aims or if the defense holds firm.

In German-language military writing, Vorstöße are treated as a maneuver element distinct from broader offensives and larger breakthroughs. They are discussed as tools of maneuver warfare that test the enemy, gain local advantages, and shape subsequent actions. The concept remains in professional doctrine as a way to describe temporary incursions designed to influence the tempo and disposition of the conflict rather than to deliver a decisive blow on their own.