Which is a characteristic of Positional Defense?

• A. Keep the defensive zone small
• B. Emphasize rapid exploitation of breaches
• C. Rely primarily on guerrilla tactics
• D. Avoid entrenchments and fortifications

Answer: (A)

Positional defense focuses on fixed, fortified positions and holding a defined, relatively compact area rather than chasing the enemy or conducting wide maneuver. Keeping the defensive zone small concentrates forces, firepower, and logistics in a single, defensible footprint, which makes mutual support from strongpoints and obstacles more effective. Fortifications, entrenchments, and prepared positions are used to absorb and repel assaults, leveraging terrain and long-range fires to inflict damage on attackers as they try to breach the line.

This approach contrasts with trying to rapidly exploit breaches or conduct fast, wide-ranging counterattacks, which align more with mobile defense concepts. Guerrilla tactics emphasize mobility and irregular operations, not fixed fortifications. Avoiding entrenchments and fortifications runs directly against the idea of a positional defense, where built-up positions and obstacles are central to the defense.