Which type of offensive operation is designed to develop the situation and establish contact?

The type of offensive operation designed to develop the situation and establish contact is the Movement to Contact. This operation is characterized by a force moving into an area with the goal of discovering and making contact with the enemy. It allows the unit to gather intelligence on enemy positions, capabilities, and intentions while simultaneously positioning itself to initiate effective engagement.

During a Movement to Contact, the emphasis is on speed and flexibility, enabling commanders to adjust their plans based on the information acquired through initial encounters. It is often the first phase in a larger offensive action, as establishing contact with the enemy is crucial to developing further tactical operations.

In contrast, Preparation Fires typically focus on artillery support prior to an assault, ensuring that enemy defenses are weakened; Deliberate Contact involves more planned and structured engagements with known enemy forces; while the Scheme of Maneuver refers to the overall plan or the route that forces will take to achieve their objectives. Each of these choices serves distinct purposes in military operations but does not specifically engage in the act of developing the situation by making initial contact with the enemy like a Movement to Contact does.