Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of defense?

Intimidation is not a recognized characteristic of defense in military doctrine. Defense usually focuses on holding territory, preserving combat power, and using various tactics to repel or defeat an enemy. The fundamental characteristics of defense revolve around principles such as maneuver, disruption, mass and concentration, which are designed to maintain control of the battlefield and ultimately counter the enemy's offensive actions.

Maneuver in defense involves repositioning forces to gain favorable positions or to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's approach. Disruption refers to actions taken to interfere with the enemy's plans, formations, or logistics, hindering their ability to effectively attack. Mass and concentration emphasize the need to bring combat power to bear at decisive points to achieve a favorable outcome. Therefore, intimidation does not align with the tactical and strategic goals inherent in defensive operations, marking it as the correct choice in this context.