Which is a fundamental of the defense?

• A. Mobility
• B. Security
• C. Surprise
• D. Coordination

Answer: (B)

Security is the foundation of the defense, because protecting the force from surprise and preserving freedom of action are essential to any defensive plan. Security encompasses early warning, reconnaissance, surveillance, concealment, and the protection of critical assets and information. When security is strong, you know where the threat is, can predict enemy actions, and can respond quickly with reinforcements, counteractions, and planned fires. This setup also makes it possible to mass and maneuver at the right time, coordinate actions, and exploit any opportunities the defender creates. While mobility, surprise, and coordination are all important in defense, they rely on solid security to happen effectively. Without security, you’re vulnerable to detection, deception, and disruption, and the rest of the defense—no matter how well planned—loses its impact.