Protective obstacles are primarily used to achieve what goal?

The primary goal of protective obstacles is to safeguard the defending force from enemy assaults. These obstacles are strategically placed to create physical barriers that impede, delay, or channel enemy movements, ultimately enhancing the defense's ability to protect personnel, equipment, and positions. By establishing such obstacles, defenders can create a more favorable combat environment, allowing them to maximize their defensive capabilities while minimizing vulnerability to enemy attacks.

This defensive strategy is crucial, as it provides the defending force with time and space to respond to enemy advances, reinforcing their overall effectiveness in a combat situation.