Definition
A successful penetration of enemy defensive lines, creating an opportunity for exploitation. It's the moment when the defensive strategy transitions from 'holding the line' to 'holy crap, we need to retreat.'
Example Usage
The tank battalion achieved a breakthrough in the enemy's northern sector, punching through three defensive lines in four hours.
Origin
Terminology emphasizing the dramatic success of penetrating static defenses, popularized in World War I and II analyses
Fun Fact
Achieving a breakthrough is relatively easy; exploiting it before the enemy reinforces the gap is where most military commanders fail despite having had 80 years to practice.
Source: Military maneuver operations doctrine
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