Frontal attack
A frontal attack is a form of maneuver where an attacking force seeks to destroy a weaker enemy force or fix a more significant enemy in place over a broad front.
An attacking force can use a frontal attack to overrun a weak enemy force. The leader commonly uses a frontal attack as a shaping operation in conjunction with other forms of maneuver [Benning Army].
At the tactical level, an attacking force can use a frontal attack to overrun a weaker enemy force rapidly. A frontal attack strikes the enemy across a broad front and over the most direct approaches. Commanders typically use it when they possess overwhelming combat power, and the enemy is at a clear disadvantage. Commanders mass the effects of direct and indirect fires, shifting indirect and aerial fires just before the assault. Success depends on achieving an advantage in combat power throughout the attack.
The frontal attack is frequently the most costly maneuver since it exposes most of the attackers to the concentrated fires of the defenders. As the most direct maneuver, however, the frontal attack is helpful for overwhelming light defenses, covering forces, or disorganized enemy resistance. It is often the best form of maneuvering for sudden attacks and meeting engagements, where speed and simplicity are essential to maintain tempo and initiative. Commanders may direct a frontal attack as a shaping operation and another form of maneuver as a decisive operation. Commanders may also use the frontal attack during exploitation or pursuit. Commanders of large formations conducting envelopments or penetrations may direct subordinate elements to conduct frontal attacks as either shaping operations or the decisive operation [GlobalSecurity.org].
Forms of Maneuver. Benning Army. Retrieved from: https://www.benning.army.mil/Infantry/DoctrineSupplement/ATP3-21.8/chapter_04/section_02/page_0040/index.html
Offensive Operations. GlobalSecurity.org. Retrieved from: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/3-0/ch7.htm#par5-5