What is described as the decisive form of war?

The decisive form of war is characterized by the ability to achieve specific, significant outcomes that shift the balance of power in favor of one combatant over another. Offensive operations are designed to actively engage and exploit enemy weaknesses, seize territory, and achieve strategic objectives. These operations typically focus on taking the initiative, compelling the enemy to react, thereby dictating the terms of engagement.

In an offensive operation, forces aim to disrupt the enemy's capabilities, undermine their morale, and ultimately force a decisive engagement that can culminate in victory. This proactive approach contrasts with defensive operations, which primarily focus on protecting one's own forces and territory. While defensive measures can be crucial in a broader strategy, they do not directly achieve the offensive goal of decisively defeating an adversary. Covert and support operations also serve specific purposes within military strategy but do not represent the essence of being a decisive form of warfare in the way that offensive operations do.