What is a defensive operation that concentrates on the destruction or defeat of the enemy through a decisive attack by a striking force?

The correct answer focuses on the concept of a Mobile Defense, which is a defensive operation characterized by the ability to maneuver and strike against the enemy in order to destroy or defeat them decisively. This approach involves maintaining the initiative and utilizing mobility to create opportunities for counterattack, thus placing the enemy at a disadvantage.

In a Mobile Defense, troops might fall back to create space and draw the enemy into vulnerable positions, allowing for rapid and concentrated counterattacks by a striking force. This dynamic employment of forces effectively leverages both defensive and offensive tactics, enhancing the chances of inflicting significant damage on the enemy while preserving the defender's overall combat capability.

The other options represent different types of defensive operations that do not focus on a decisive counterattack in the same way. An Area Defense usually emphasizes holding a specified area, while a Deception Defense relies more on misdirection and misleading the enemy rather than actively seeking to counterattack. A Mobile Strike, though it suggests mobility, does not align with the traditional definitions within military operations and does not specifically describe a defensive operation. By understanding how Mobile Defense integrates decisiveness with mobility, one can appreciate its critical role in achieving operational success.