Which of the following is a primary defensive task in military operations?

A primary defensive task in military operations focuses on protecting friendly forces and maintaining control of terrain, while also preparing to counter and repel enemy attacks. Mobile defense, as a specific defensive task, allows forces to adopt a flexible approach in which they not only hold ground but also seek to exploit the enemy's weaknesses. This task involves using mobility to engage the enemy at decisive points, allowing friendly forces to retain the initiative even while defending.

Mobile defense is characterized by its focus on maneuvering forces to create opportunities for counter-attacks and turning the enemy’s advantages against them. The essence of this task is not purely to hold territory but to trade space for time, set up ambushes, and ultimately draw the enemy into a position where they can be decisively engaged and defeated.

Other options, while relevant to military operations, represent different facets of military strategy and do not classify as primary defensive tasks. Offensive Maneuver is centered around attack and seizing the initiative from the enemy rather than defensive activities. Counterinsurgency deals specifically with operations against insurgent groups, often requiring a mix of military and civilian techniques rather than focusing solely on defense. Information Warfare encompasses the use of information technology to disrupt, corrupt, or destroy enemy information and is not a tactical defensive