What is a key characteristic of a meeting engagement?

A meeting engagement is characterized by the rapid engagement of an enemy without prior planning. This type of engagement typically occurs when forces come into contact unexpectedly, and commanders must make quick decisions to adapt to the situation. The essence of a meeting engagement is its spontaneous nature, where both sides are often surprised by the encounter, which can lead to fluid and dynamic combat scenarios.

The correct understanding of a meeting engagement reflects the unpredictability of tactical warfare, where forces might encounter each other while moving, during reconnaissance, or when conducting patrols, leading to an immediate need for decision-making and action without the benefit of extensive preparation. This contrasts with other structured forms of engagements that rely on detailed pre-battle planning or are confined to specific environments or ranges.