What is the significance of mutual support in defense tactics?

Mutual support in defense tactics is crucial as it facilitates cooperation between different units. This collaboration among units creates a cohesive defense that strengthens the overall effectiveness of the force. When units can support each other, whether through overlapping fields of fire, sharing intelligence, or coordinating movements, they become more resilient in the face of an attack. This interconnectedness allows for a unified response to threats, ensuring that vulnerabilities in one area can be compensated for by strengths in another.

This concept is vital in modern warfare, where the complexity of the battlefield requires that units operate not in isolation but as parts of a larger, integrated defense strategy. Moreover, effective mutual support can deter the enemy's advances, as the perceived strength of a unified defense may prevent attacks altogether.

Other aspects, such as enhancing individual soldier combat effectiveness or enabling quick retreat, are important in their own rights, but the primary significance of mutual support lies in fostering collaboration and cohesion across units, which is essential for sustaining an effective defense.