What is the primary goal of maintaining tempo in an offensive operation?

Maintaining tempo in an offensive operation is primarily about keeping the enemy off balance and in a reactive state. When forces maintain a high tempo, it disrupts the enemy's ability to organize, plan, and execute their own operations effectively. A rapid and continuous series of actions complicate the enemy's decision-making process, forcing them to respond to the offensive rather than allowing them to implement their own strategies. This creates opportunities for the attacking force to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses, leading to greater success on the battlefield.

By controlling the pace of the operation, commanders can dictate the engagement terms, forcing the enemy to adapt under pressure. This can result in disorganization within enemy ranks, making them more susceptible to further attacks and increasing the overall effectiveness of the offensive campaign. Maintaining a high tempo also serves to capitalize on momentum, which is crucial for offensive success.