What is described as a maneuver where the attack seeks to destroy a weaker force over a broad front?

The correct answer is a frontal attack, which is characterized by its directness in targeting an enemy's forces across a wide front. This type of maneuver aims to engage the enemy in a head-on confrontation, exerting pressure on all parts of their defensive line simultaneously. By attacking a weaker force in this manner, the attacking unit can exploit vulnerabilities in the enemy's formation and create openings for further operations.

The broad front approach allows for a more comprehensive engagement, which can be advantageous in overwhelming the opponent and diminishing their ability to respond effectively. In essence, a frontal attack seeks to maximize the impact of combat power against a less organized or weaker enemy force, aiming to achieve decisiveness through shock and firepower.

In contrast, other maneuvers like the flank attack and envelopment focus more on outmaneuvering an enemy by attacking their sides or rear, taking advantage of terrain or enemy weaknesses, and thus often rely on exploiting specific vulnerabilities rather than engaging across a broad front. An assault typically implies a more intense, often decisive engagement, but may not necessarily involve attacking an enemy's entire front at once in the same manner as a frontal attack.