What is an implication of a well-defined main effort in combat?

A well-defined main effort in combat allows for a more focused allocation of resources, which is crucial for effective military operations. By establishing a clear primary objective or focus, commanders can prioritize where to allocate personnel, equipment, and support. This concentration of resources ensures that the most critical aspects of the operation receive the necessary attention and strength, thereby enhancing the likelihood of mission success.

With a clear main effort, units can streamline their actions, concentrate firepower, and optimize logistical support. It creates a unified direction for all forces involved, minimizing waste and confusion that might arise if resources were scattered across multiple, less important objectives. This focused approach enables more efficient execution of plans and better adaptability to changing circumstances on the battlefield, leading to more decisive outcomes.

The other options do not align with the advantages of defining a main effort. For instance, creating unnecessary distractions contradicts the intent of having a clear focus. Similarly, while operational planning certainly remains important, a well-defined main effort does not reduce its necessity; if anything, it enhances the planning process. Finally, increasing the number of units deployed does not inherently follow from a clear main effort—the focus is more on the effectiveness and efficient use of existing forces rather than sheer numbers.