Which term best describes the characteristic of the defense focused on overwhelming enemy targets?

The term "massing effects" accurately describes the characteristic of defense that is aimed at overwhelming enemy targets. This concept revolves around concentrating firepower and resources at critical points to maximize effectiveness against the opponent. By massing effects, a defending force can create a significant impact on the enemy, leading to the disruption of their operations and potentially turning the tide in favor of the defending unit.

Massing effects allows for efficient use of available resources, whether through direct fire, indirect fire support, or other means, to achieve a cumulative impact. This principle aligns with the operational goals of the defense, which often prioritize stopping an enemy advance through concentrated efforts rather than dispersing resources too widely.

In contrast, disruption, flexibility, and security, while also important characteristics of an effective defense, do not specifically capture the idea of overwhelming enemy targets in the same direct manner. Disruption focuses on interrupting enemy plans, flexibility refers to the ability to adapt to changing situations, and security involves protecting forces and assets from enemy actions. However, none of these emphasizes the concentrated application of firepower against enemy forces quite like massing effects does.