Envelopment

This is one of the most basic forms of offensive maneuver. Envelopment takes advantage of several factors to multiply your chances of success. First, it is designed to split the attention of the force being attacked. This reduces their situational awareness and their firepower. Second, it reduces the effectiveness of a target's cover. It is usually harder to find cover that protects from multiple angles.

A single envelopment is a move around one flank. A double envelopment is a move around both flanks simultaneously. Encirclement is a move that surrounds all sides of an attacked force. Each one of these maneuvers requires more manpower than the last.

In a single envelopment (often called a "flanking maneuver"), there are two parts of the offensive force: the fixing force and the enveloping force. The ratio of friendly/opponent players can be as few as 1:1, but the maneuver becomes easier as the ratio approaches the 2:1 range. The fixing force engages the opposition without committing to the fight. Their job is to gain the attention of the opposition and keep it. They should be playing to survive, not necessarily to eliminate the opponent. They must put just enough pressure on the opponent to keep them engaged, without suffering losses. It is this engagement of the opponent that allows the enveloping force to perform its job.

The enveloping force must break through or maneuver around the opponent's flank. This must be done either quickly and with overwhelming force, or quietly. In the first case, the opponent must have no time to react to the loss of his flank. In the latter case, the opponent must not know he has been enveloped. If either option fails, a smart opponent will "refuse the flank" and change their orientation to meet the new threat. This denies the enveloping force much of their advantage.

Once past the main line of opponents, the envelopers move toward the opposite flank, attacking opponents as they are encountered. Their eliminations should be easier, due to surprise and reduction of cover. Single envelopments should be a standard offensive maneuver, all the way down to the individual level.

Double envelopment is basically the same as a single, but has 2 enveloping forces. Both flanks of an opponent's position are attacked simultaneously. This requires more manpower or a higher friendly/opponent ratio (3:1 or more, usually) than a single envelopment. It also requires more coordination. Be careful about firing lanes and target identification to avoid shooting your own team.

Encirclement requires even more manpower than double envelopment, or a much higher friendly/opponent ratio (usually 5:1 or more). Encirclement is often the final step in "cleaning up" an area of a few remaining players. If you have enough manpower to encircle an opponent, the engagement should be relatively short and easily won.