What is the primary purpose of a main effort in military operations?

The primary purpose of a main effort in military operations is to support the commander's bid for success. The main effort refers to the decisive operation that a commander designates as the focal point of their resources and efforts. By concentrating forces and attention on this aspect of the operation, the commander aims to create a favorable outcome, leveraging it to achieve broader strategic objectives.

This focus allows for effective synchronization of various elements, including maneuver, support, and logistics. Each operation within a military campaign typically has concurrent efforts that contribute to the overall objective. However, the main effort is specifically characterized by its commanding significance in achieving the overall mission, often dictating resource allocation and priority among subordinate units.

The other potential purposes—executing offensive strategies alone, conducting fire support missions, and coordinating logistics operations—while important in their own right, do not define the overarching goal of a main effort. Instead, they may be components of the main effort or secondary tasks that enhance its success.