Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the offense?

The characteristic that is not associated with offense is defense. In military strategy and tactics, the offense is characterized by actions that initiate, engage, and maintain pressure on the enemy, focusing on proactive maneuvers and initiatives.

Tempo refers to the speed and rhythm with which forces engage the enemy, allowing them to maintain initiative. Audacity involves bold and confident actions that seek to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses, often leading to surprise and psychological advantage. Concentration pertains to the massing of forces at a decisive point to achieve overwhelming strength against the enemy.

In contrast, defense is focused on protecting against attacks, holding ground, and countering enemy initiatives, making it fundamentally different from offensive operations. Thus, in the context of this question, defense is clearly not a characteristic of the offense.