Which zone is behind the frontier zone and is the site of the decisive counterattack?

• A. Frontier Defense Zone
• B. Rear Defense Zone
• C. Depth Defense Zone
• D. Deep Area

Answer: (A)

Defensive planning in this framework relies on a layered approach that moves from stopping the enemy at the forward edge to striking back with a focused counterattack. The zone behind the frontier zone is where the defender concentrates reserves and the necessary firepower to launch the decisive counterstrike that aims to regain the initiative on the battlefield. This is the area designed to absorb the breakthrough, then convert defense into an offensive blow that disrupts the attacker’s momentum and restores the defender’s position.

The other zones serve different roles. The rear defense zone primarily protects the hinterland and lines of communication, ensuring continuity of defense and supply. The depth defense zone sits further back to slow and attrite the attacker, buying time and preserving combat power for a later, broader counteroffensive. The deep area represents strategic depth for shaping campaigns over a longer horizon, rather than the immediate, decisive counterattack.