Defensive Objective Definitions

Defensive objectives focus on protecting terrain, forces, or key assets while preventing enemy success.

Common defensive objective terms include:
 

• Defend
  Prevent the enemy from seizing terrain or achieving their objective.
• Hold
  Maintain control of a position against enemy attack.
• Secure
  Ensure an area is safe from enemy interference after it has been cleared or before the enemy takes it.
• Protect
  Safeguard a specific force, asset, or location from enemy threats.
• Delay
  Slow enemy movement while trading space for time.
• Deny
  Prevent the enemy from using terrain, routes, or resources.
• Screen
  Provide early warning of enemy activity while avoiding decisive engagement.
• Guard
  Protect the main force by observing and reporting enemy activity while maintaining readiness to engage if necessary.