What is the objective of a "Cover" operation?

The objective of a "Cover" operation is primarily to protect the main body from enemy observation. This type of operation is designed to shield friendly forces from the enemy's intelligence-gathering capabilities, thereby preventing the enemy from understanding the movements and intentions of those forces. By minimizing visibility and detection, the covering unit can help ensure that the main force can maneuver, regroup, or conduct operations without being compromised. This is crucial for maintaining the element of surprise and allowing for effective planning and execution of future operations.

In contrast, other options focus on different operational objectives. For instance, delaying the enemy until reinforcements arrive is more aligned with a "Delay" operation, which explicitly seeks to slow down enemy advances rather than conceal activity. Capturing enemy territory falls under offensive operations aimed at seizing land, while neutralizing enemy defenses pertains to specifically targeting and destroying defensive positions. The essence of a cover operation lies in camouflage and concealment, supporting the larger tactical picture by allowing friendly forces to operate with reduced risk of detection.