When conducting movement to contact, what should be prioritized?

Prioritizing rapid deployment and attack in all directions during movement to contact is essential because it allows a unit to respond quickly to enemy actions and seize the initiative. The idea is to maintain momentum and flexibility, enabling elements to engage threats immediately upon contact. This approach also maximizes the element of surprise and ensures that the unit can leverage its combat power to disrupt and defeat the enemy before they can effectively organize or respond.

Focusing on securing the rear, while important, does not align with the primary objective during movement to contact, which is to engage and push forward against potential enemy forces. Searching for unknown locations could divert attention from immediate threats and slow down the tempo required for effective contact maneuvers. Defensive maneuvers, although sometimes necessary, may indicate a reactive posture rather than an offensive one, which is contrary to the proactive mindset critical in movement to contact operations. Thus, prioritizing rapid deployment and attack equips the unit to maintain offensive pressure and capitalize on dynamic situations effectively.