Which statement is not a phase of offensive combat?

Which statement is not a phase of offensive combat?

• A. Execution
• B. Preparation
• C. Conduct
• D. Exploitation

Answer: (A)

Offensive combat is organized into three main phases: preparation, conduct, and exploitation. Preparation covers planning, intelligence, rehearsals, and positioning to set the conditions for success. Conduct is the actual assault—maneuver, fire support, and close combat to seize the objective. Exploitation follows a breach to widen the gain, destroy remaining threats, and set up for pursuit or further objectives. Execution, while describing the act of carrying out actions, isn’t listed as a separate phase in this standard sequence; it’s what happens within the conduct phase rather than a distinct stage. That’s why it isn’t considered a phase of offensive combat.

Offensive combat is organized into three main phases: preparation, conduct, and exploitation. Preparation covers planning, intelligence, rehearsals, and positioning to set the conditions for success. Conduct is the actual assault—maneuver, fire support, and close combat to seize the objective. Exploitation follows a breach to widen the gain, destroy remaining threats, and set up for pursuit or further objectives. Execution, while describing the act of carrying out actions, isn’t listed as a separate phase in this standard sequence; it’s what happens within the conduct phase rather than a distinct stage. That’s why it isn’t considered a phase of offensive combat.