In military strategy, what does “engagement” refer to?

The term "engagement" in military strategy typically refers to a physical confrontation with the enemy. This can encompass various forms of battle or combat scenarios where forces actively engage one another, either in direct combat or through any kind of active conflict. Engagements can include firefights, maneuver battles, or other forms of direct interaction where combat elements meet and attempt to defeat one another.

While the other options, such as tactics to outflank the enemy or conducting surveillance, are integral components of military operations, they do not encapsulate the broader definition of "engagement." A diplomatic approach to resolve conflict, while essential in the context of overall strategy, is oriented towards conflict resolution rather than direct confrontation, which is the essence of what engagement represents in a military context.