What can be gained from an effective defense?

An effective defense primarily allows for the gain of time, which is crucial in military strategy and operations. By establishing a strong defensive position, forces can delay the enemy's advance, providing valuable time for reinforcements to arrive, for strategic planning to be completed, or for the restoration of resources and morale among troops. This temporal advantage can be leveraged to fortify defenses, reassess the operational situation, and prepare for counter-offensive actions.

In this context, while resources, strategic location, and political influence are certainly valuable, the immediate and critical benefit of a successful defensive operation is the time gained to effectively respond to threats and enhance overall military readiness. This time can ultimately lead to more robust and sustainable outcomes in a conflict scenario.