What does "force preservation" mean in OPFOR tactics?

"Force preservation" in OPFOR tactics refers to the concept of minimizing losses while maximizing impact. This is a crucial strategy for any military force, particularly an opposing one, as it allows them to maintain operational capability and continue to challenge their adversary effectively. By focusing on preserving personnel and resources, a force can engage in a manner that leverages their strengths while protecting their weaknesses.

This approach is essential for sustaining long-term engagements, especially when facing a technologically superior opponent, such as U.S. forces. It allows for the efficient use of available assets, ensuring that even with limited numbers, the force can still deliver significant outcomes on the battlefield.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of force preservation. Increasing the number of soldiers on the field may not necessarily equate to tactical effectiveness if those forces are not utilized wisely. Relying exclusively on stealth technology disregards the broader range of tactical decisions involved in preserving forces. Finally, encouraging direct confrontation contradicts the principle of force preservation, as direct engagements can lead to higher casualties and resource depletion, undermining the primary objective of sustaining the force's operational viability.