Which characteristic emphasizes the need for massing combat power at a decisive point?

The characteristic that emphasizes the need for massing combat power at a decisive point is concentration. Concentration refers to the deployment of forces in a manner that maximizes their effectiveness at a critical time and place during an operation. By concentrating combat power, a commander can focus resources and personnel to overwhelm an adversary, create a decisive impact on the battlefield, and achieve strategic objectives efficiently.

This principle is crucial in military operations because it enables forces to achieve superiority at the chosen point of engagement, exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's position and increasing the likelihood of success. Concentration ensures that the scale and intensity of the military effort are sufficient to achieve overwhelming force against the enemy, especially when timing and location are essential for victory. This characteristic is a fundamental aspect of offensive operations where commanders must decide where to apply their strength most effectively.