Which maneuver form is characterized by surrounding the enemy from multiple sides?

The maneuver form characterized by surrounding the enemy from multiple sides is the envelopment. This tactic involves attacking the enemy's flanks and rear, effectively encircling them, which can lead to disorientation, fragmentation of their forces, and ultimately, a decisive advantage for the attacking force. By executing an envelopment, a force aims to penetrate and envelop the enemy’s positions rather than engaging them head-on, allowing for exploitation of vulnerabilities in their defensive stance.

A flank attack refers specifically to targeting the side of an enemy position but does not necessarily involve a complete encirclement. A frontal attack directly assaults the front of the enemy's defenses, while penetration involves breaking through a specific area of the enemy’s front but does not imply surrounding them on multiple sides. Understanding these nuances helps in recognizing the effectiveness and strategic implications of envelopment in military operations.