How do commanders primarily achieve surprise in offensive operations?

Commanders primarily achieve surprise in offensive operations by varying the direction and timing of the attack. Surprise in a military context refers to the ability to engage the enemy in an unexpected manner, catching them off guard and disrupting their operational plans. Varying the direction of an attack can lead to advantageous positioning, forcing the enemy to react rather than plan effectively. Additionally, manipulating the timing of the assault, such as launching an attack at an unconventional hour or after a prolonged period of inactivity, can further disorient the adversary and prevent them from mounting a coherent defense.

This approach allows commanders to exploit the unpredictability of their actions, creating openings for engagement that the enemy did not foresee. In contrast, maintaining predictable strategies tends to signal intentions to the enemy, while concentrating large troop formations can be counterproductive if the enemy is prepared to meet such a force. Waiting for enemy weakness before acting, although a sound tactical consideration, does not directly relate to the ability to create surprise, as it can take time and provide the enemy with opportunities to prepare. Thus, varying direction and timing is fundamental to achieving surprise in offensive operations.