Which item is one of the four main defense priorities?

• A. Deter aggression (be ready to win if needed)
• B. Expand overseas bases
• C. Expand cyber warfare capabilities
• D. Increase humanitarian aid missions

Answer: (A)

Deterring aggression is the central aim of defense planning: by showing credible force, strong alliances, and readiness, potential adversaries are discouraged from taking aggressive actions because they expect the costs and risks to be too high. This deterrence posture—being ready to win if needed—creates a credible signal that war would be costly and defeat unfavorable, which is why it is ranked as the top priority. The other items describe important tools or missions that support national security, but they are means to deter and respond, not the overarching priority themselves. Expanding overseas bases can extend influence and reassurance, expanding cyber capabilities enhances modern fight power, and humanitarian missions reflect security cooperation and values—but none alone capture the primary focus of defense planning, which is deterring aggression and preserving the ability to win if deterrence fails.