Which of the following is NOT one of the six PLA offensive tactics?

• A. Envelopment
• B. Penetration
• C. Pursuit
• D. Storming Attack

Answer: (D)

In PLA offensive doctrine, operations are organized around six named maneuver concepts that guide how forces break and exploit enemy defenses. Envelopment is the tactic of closing in from multiple directions to encircle and collapse the enemy, creating decisiveness by cutting off routes of retreat and supply. Penetration focuses on punching through the enemy’s front to rupture their defensive line, opening a corridor for exploitation and rapid advance. Pursuit—carried out after a breakthrough or retreat—keeps pressure on the enemy to prevent regrouping and maximize gains.

Storming Attack, while it describes a direct, head-on assault, is not listed as one of the official six offensive tactics. It’s more of a plain direct attack idea and lacks the formal maneuver patterns emphasized in the six categories. That mismatch with the established framework is why it’s the best choice for “not one of the six.”

So, the correct choice is Storming Attack because the PLA’s six offensive tactics encompass maneuvers like envelopment, penetration, and pursuit, whereas a simple direct assault isn’t one of the named six.