avenue of approach

Definition

A route by which attacking forces can reach an objective, analyzed for cover, concealment, and obstacles. The preferred path for uninvited guests bearing weapons.

Example Usage

Intelligence identified three likely avenues of approach—we need to cover all of them with overlapping fires.

Origin

Terrain analysis terminology formalized in military planning doctrine

Fun Fact

The failure to identify or defend a secondary avenue of approach has lost more battles than most generals care to admit in their memoirs.

Source: Intelligence preparation of the battlefield doctrine

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