Flanking tactical movement is a military tactic that involves advancing on an enemy from two or more sides at once. It is a maneuver that can be used to gain an advantage over an enemy by outflanking them and attacking from the sides or rear. Flanking is used to great effect in both defensive and offensive strategies and can often be used to turn the tide of battle in favor of the flanking force. Flanking can involve infantry, cavalry, artillery and other types of military units. It is often used to create an opportunity for a surprise attack from a different direction than the enemy expects. In some cases, the flanking force may also be able to establish a defensive line to prevent the enemy from advancing further. Flanking tactics are also sometimes combined with other tactics such as feinting and ambush in order to maximize the effectiveness of the maneuver. Flanking tactics can be especially effective when it is used to encircle an enemy while cutting off their line of retreat. It is important for any military commander to have a thorough understanding of flanking tactics in order to be able to effectively employ them in combat.