What is the primary goal of a feint in military operations?

The primary goal of a feint in military operations is to delay or disrupt the enemy's preparations. A feint is a deceptive maneuver designed to make the enemy believe that an attack is imminent in one area, while the actual attack is planned for another. This tactic forces the enemy to allocate resources and shift their attention to the area where they believe the attack might occur, thereby creating openings or vulnerabilities elsewhere. By successfully executing a feint, a military force can manipulate the enemy's response, buying time to prepare for the actual offensive or to reposition its forces advantageously.

In contrast, conducting a full assault would not align with the deceptive nature of a feint, as it involves directly engaging the enemy without the intention of misdirection. Capturing supplies and equipment is more typical of a direct attack or raid, focusing on tangible assets rather than deception. Securing intelligence on enemy movements is an important aspect of military operations but is not the specific aim of a feint; rather, it can be a secondary benefit if the feint leads to greater insights about enemy positioning.