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3.7: The Pincer Movement | [Back to the WarGuide]
This can, normally, be easily performed and gives the person performing the maneuver an obvious tactical advantage. The pincer movement consists of surrounding an opponent's army on both sides (left and right). It means that you can force your opponent to attack multiple targets and if he's not paying attention to his units they will all die. To do this you need a fairly large attack force (it's going to be split up), but it doesn't have to be huge. Arrange it so that both sides are able to perform a modified flanking maneuver (come straight in from the sides). These sides should be very well balanced so that there is no weak side. When your opponent arrives send out some units to attack his front line. These units should be very heavy like Bulldogs or Goliaths/The Can. This group of units can both attract fire and do damage. Even when they are destroyed their wreckage will impede to movement of enemy troops. Whilst you heavy units are on their way get both groups of semi-quick units to move around to the sides of your enemy's army. Attack with these groups at the same time to cause confusion between units. This will leave your opponent trapped between to very evenly balanced attack forces and unable to move forward, due to rubble and heavy units. Their only option is to retreat but to turn around a Goliath takes quite a bit of time giving your armies more killing time. The best units are anything that can do large amounts of damage. The speed the damage is inflicted isn't that important because you're doing it on both sides, leaving them with masses of turret turn time. This can also be done on the run. Just get your attack forces to move to the sides (keep going forward, but not straight). Works best this way with good drive by units (EMGs and or accurate units). PROS: Can let you kill a bigger army with a smaller one because it takes time to turn a turret. Leaves your enemy with only two options, leave or die. Also leaves you with a large patch of metal. CONS: Needs quite a few mobile defensive units and semi-flat ground. You front line is weaker and if your opponent pushes hard they could break through.