What is described as the most fundamental tactic, perhaps the only tactic?

• A. Fire and maneuver
• B. Flanking and assault
• C. Dismount and secure
• D. Cover and move

Answer: (A)

Fire and maneuver is the foundational approach in infantry tactics. It combines using fire to suppress or pin the enemy with moving to a better position. The idea is that suppressing the opponent reduces their ability to respond, allowing your unit to advance, flank, or gain a more advantageous angle of attack. Without some form of fire, movement is exposed and risky; without movement, fire becomes stuck and can’t close with or defeat the enemy. This dynamic—fire controlling the fight while maneuvering to improve position—is why fire and maneuver is considered the most fundamental tactic.

The other options describe useful techniques in specific contexts, but they don’t capture the universal, ongoing interplay of fire and movement that underpins almost all tactical success.