Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to major general in 1936 and to lieutenant general in 1938. At the start of World War II, he served as chief of staff to General Gerd von Rundstedt in the invasion of Poland (1939). CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFENSE

3-3. Audacity, concentration, surprise, and tempo characterize the offense. Commanders maneuver forces to advantageous positions before an operation. To shape their decisive operation, they initiate selective contact with enemy forces. The decisive operation determines the outcome of the major operation, battle, or engagement. Decisive operations capitalize on the successful application of the characteristics of the offense.