The strategy of erosion aims to raise the costs of resistance above what the enemy is willing to pay. What is this strategy primarily focused on?

The strategy of erosion is primarily focused on degrading enemy morale. This approach seeks to undermine the enemy’s will to fight by making the costs of continuing the conflict too high—both in terms of financial expenditure and psychological impact. When an adversary experiences significant losses, whether in personnel, resources, or through prolonged engagement without meaningful gains, their confidence and determination can wane. This erosion of morale can lead to a decrease in the enemy's capability to sustain operations, making them more likely to reconsider their commitment to the conflict or even seek a withdrawal.

Degrading morale can also manifest in several ways, such as through losses in combat, disruption of their command structure, or diminishing public support for the conflict. It places psychological pressure on the enemy, which can be just as impactful as physical defeat.

Other choices provide important elements of military operations but do not capture the essence of the erosion strategy's main focus on morale. For instance, while logistics is crucial for sustaining operations, it does not specifically address the psychological aspect of morale. Increasing troop numbers can bolster a military force but does not directly influence the enemy’s resolve. Establishing front lines pertains to operational tactics rather than the overarching strategy aimed at undermining the enemy's willingness to continue the fight.