What does a screen primarily provide as part of a security operation?

A screen primarily provides early warning to the protected force by monitoring enemy movements and detecting any potential threats before they can engage. This allows the protected unit to prepare and respond to enemy actions effectively. The screen serves as a frontline protective measure, ensuring that the main forces are alerted to any enemy advance, which is crucial in maintaining situational awareness and enabling informed decision-making in a dynamic combat environment.

While other choices mention important roles in security operations, such as engaging the enemy, degrading their capabilities, or supporting maneuvering forces, the primary focus of a screening action is to serve as an early warning system. This proactive approach helps in minimizing surprise attacks and allows the command to adjust tactics as necessary based on the intelligence gathered from the screen.