Which is a characteristic of Mobile Defense?

• A. Plan and execute quickly and decisively
• B. Rely on static fortifications with no movement
• C. Avoid leadership decentralization
• D. Focus on a narrow defensive zone

Answer: (A)

Mobile Defense hinges on maintaining tempo through mobility, flexibility, and initiative. The idea is to avoid getting pinned by the adversary’s advance and to use speed to disrupt their momentum, then strike decisively when the enemy is unsettled or overextended. Planning and executing quickly and decisively embodies this tempo: you prepare to maneuver, delay as needed, and unleash counterattacks at the right moment to exploit gaps, regain the initiative, and shift from defense to offense efficiently.

Relying on static fortifications with no movement runs directly counter to this mindset, as it traps forces in fixed positions and blunts the advantage of mobility. Avoiding decentralization clashes with mobile defense since empowering subordinates to act with initiative is essential to exploiting rapid changes on the battlefield. Focusing on a narrow defensive zone limits depth and flexibility, reducing opportunities to absorb a breakthrough and still mount effective countermeasures.