How can defenders disrupt an attacker’s operations?

Defenders can effectively disrupt an attacker’s operations by misleading enemy reconnaissance and disrupting formations. This tactic involves creating a false perception of strength or weakness, which can confuse and misdirect the attacker. By sowing doubt and uncertainty in the enemy's mind, defenders can lead attackers into traps, into less advantageous positions, or away from key objectives.

Disrupting formations is particularly crucial, as the effectiveness of an attack often relies on maintaining cohesion and momentum. By breaking up these formations, defenders can reduce the attackers' operational effectiveness, making it harder for them to execute their plans. Such strategies can involve deploying decoys, utilizing deception operations, or employing misinformation campaigns to skew the attackers' understanding of the battlefield environment.

In contrast, options like supporting the attacker’s reconnaissance or neutralizing their command structures seem counterproductive to a defender's goals. Enhancing firepower is beneficial but does not directly disrupt the attackers' operations as effectively as misleading and confusing them would. Thus, misdirection and disruption of enemy formations stand out as vital defensive tactics.