Which operation is characterized by the ability to maintain operational tempo?

The ability to maintain operational tempo is primarily characterized by offensive operations. In offensive operations, the focus is on seizing the initiative through active engagement with the enemy, striking first to dictate the pace and direction of the conflict. This involves rapid movement and decisive actions aimed at disrupting the enemy's plans and maintaining pressure, which inherently requires sustaining high operational tempo.

Operational tempo refers to the speed and rhythm of military operations, and in an offensive context, it is crucial to continuously advance and exploit opportunities as they arise. This is contrasted with stabilization operations and defensive operations, which typically emphasize consolidation of gains or reactive measures rather than maintaining the initiative through sustained offensive action. Theater operations encompass a broader framework of coordinating all forces and resources across various operations, but it does not specifically convey the concept of maintaining high operational tempo in the way that offensive operations does.