Which of the following is NOT a type of offensive operation?

The correct choice indicates that "Defense" is not a type of offensive operation. In military doctrine, offensive operations are actions designed to defeat an enemy through aggressive actions and to seize the initiative. These include operations like attack, movement to contact, and pursuit, which all focus on engaging and defeating enemy forces.

In contrast, defense operations are fundamentally reactive. They are designed to deter or halt an enemy attack, protect friendly forces, and prepare for subsequent offensive actions. The primary focus in defense is not on defeating the enemy through aggressive action but rather on maintaining positions and leveraging existing strengths to withstand and counter enemy assaults.

Thus, understanding the definition and characteristics of offensive versus defensive operations clarifies why "Defense" stands out as the correct answer in this context.