Which form of defense is ideal for conducting area or mobile defensive operations, and is designed to defend in all directions?

The defense of a perimeter is designed to encompass an area of responsibility, providing a 360-degree defensive capability. This form of defense is particularly effective for conducting area or mobile defensive operations as it allows forces to prepare for and respond to threats from any direction. It establishes a strong perimeter to protect key assets, while also enabling units to engage the enemy effectively if they attempt to breach the defense.

In contrast to the defense of a perimeter, other defensive operations may not provide the same level of flexibility or coverage. For example, the reverse slope defense generally focuses on creating layers of defense that take advantage of terrain features, typically facing toward the enemy advance. Area defense emphasizes holding specific zones but may not account for threats from all angles as effectively as perimeter defenses. Mobile defense involves shifting forces to create a dynamic response but does not establish a fixed perimeter necessary for all-around defense. Thus, the defense of a perimeter is the most suitable choice for ensuring protection in every direction during area or mobile operations.