What does "maneuver warfare" primarily emphasize?

Maneuver warfare primarily emphasizes speed, surprise, and effective use of terrain to gain positional advantage over the enemy. This approach focuses on the mobility of forces and the ability to outmaneuver adversaries rather than relying on static defenses or overwhelming firepower. By exploiting the element of surprise and rapidly changing positions, a force can disrupt and disorient its opponent, leading to a more favorable outcome in combat situations.

The significance of terrain use cannot be understated, as maneuver warfare aims to leverage geographic features to enhance the effectiveness of troop movement and engagement. This creates opportunities for flanking maneuvers and unconventional tactics that can decisively impact the battlefield dynamics.

In contrast, other choices center around approaches that do not align with the principles of maneuver warfare, such as static defense or reliance on heavy support, which could hinder the agility and responsiveness that are vital to this strategy.