What is the goal of massing combat power during Culmination?

• A. Disintegrate the enemy and force retreat or annihilation.
• B. Negotiate a ceasefire.
• C. Hold defensive positions indefinitely.
• D. Relocate forces without combat.

Answer: (A)

Massing combat power at Culmination is about turning accumulated offensive momentum into a single, decisive blow. When forces have achieved local superiority but risk attrition, the aim is to disintegrate the enemy and compel retreat or annihilation, delivering a rapid, decisive outcome and shortening the campaign. Negotiating a ceasefire would halt the offensive, holding defensive positions indefinitely contradicts the intent to exploit momentum, and relocating forces without combat wastes the concentrated power. Therefore, the goal is to deliver a decisive, forceful action that breaks the enemy.