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Offensive action aims at defeating the adversary's will to resist. This implies manoeuvre, speed and aggressiveness. By wresting the initiative from the adversary, one acquires freedom of action and a distinct psychological advantage. Exploiting success and taking advantage of adversary's weakness must be foremost in the minds of all commanders. This requirement for offensive action also applies, through info ops, to both physical and intellectual activities on the moral plane. Consequently, there is a need to develop a proactive info ops plan that seeks to positively influence targets in support of the operational objectives.

A commander must strive to concentrate combat power superior to that of the adversary at a decisive time and place. Concentration not only implies massing of forces but also massing of firepower. The ability to concentrate is dependent upon movement, flexibility and communications.

Surprise can create success out of proportion to the size of the force used. Its elements are secrecy, concealment, deception, originality, audacity and speed. Surprise must be exploited.

Security is a condition that gives a commander sufficient freedom of action to fulfil his aim. Security is manifested in the offence by having a firm base for the assembly, preparation and launching of operations. It includes securing the line of departure (LD), the flanks of an attacking force, and the lines of communications (LOC). During counter-insurgency (COIN) operations and certain peace support operations, forces will require a secure base from which to operate. Once the desired effects have been created in these base areas, the campaign can be extended, like oil spreading in water, to less secure areas.

Offensive operations demand a high degree of flexibility in order to enable plans to be altered to meet changing situations, unexpected developments, and to exploit fleeting opportunities, particularly against unconventional enemies. Its elements are flexibility of mind and rapidity of decision-making on the part of a commander and his subordinates, to ensure that time and opportunities are never lost. It is achieved through simplicity of plans, unity of effort, and maintenance of balance. Implicit in this requirement is freedom of action for the commander.