What is one of the key characteristics of the defense in military operations?

In the context of military operations, maneuver is a key characteristic of the defense because it encompasses the ability to shift forces to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's approach or to respond to changing conditions on the battlefield. Effective defensive operations are not static; instead, they require the ability to reposition troops and assets to maintain an advantageous position against an adversary. Maneuver allows defenders to counterattack, disrupt enemy advances, and create opportunities to regain the initiative.

This characteristic reinforces the notion that the defense is dynamic, involving elements of agility and responsiveness rather than just passive resistance. By leveraging maneuver, military forces can maintain flexibility, adapt to enemy movements, and execute flanking or envelopment tactics that can turn the tide of battle in their favor.