The orientation of the enemy's anticipated primary effort is defined as which term?

• A. Key Defense Point
• B. Depth
• C. Main Direction of Defense
• D. Flexibility

Answer: (C)

In defense planning, you identify where the enemy is most likely to commit their strongest effort and shape your positions to meet that axis. The orientation of the enemy's anticipated primary effort is defined as the main direction of defense. This term marks the primary axis along which you concentrate the bulk of forces, obstacles, and fire support to disrupt and absorb the main assault. It guides where to place the strongest positions, how to allocate reserves for counterattacks, and how to synchronize fires to win decisively on that axis. The other terms describe different aspects—defending key points, layering through depth, or maintaining adaptability—and do not capture the idea of aligning defense with the enemy’s main attack direction.