Flanking Position

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Flanking Position

FLANKING POSITION. A form of defense in which the defender takes up a position so located that the enemy will expose his flanks or line of communications if he continues his advance. Rarely found in combat, a good flanking position must have these characteristics: strong defensive terrain; protection for one's own line of communication; and the possibility of sallying forth to attack the enemy should he try to ignore the position and continue his advance. The defender also must have sufficient strength so that the attacker cannot contain him with part of his force and continue on to his original objective.