Which element is NOT part of Theater Air Defense (TAD)?

In the context of Theater Air Defense (TAD), the primary focus is on measures designed to protect forces, installations, and civilians from air and missile threats. TAD encompasses various strategies and methods which can be categorized into active and passive defense measures.

Active air defense includes actions taken to destroy or negate enemy aircraft or missiles in flight. This typically involves the use of surface-to-air missiles, interceptor aircraft, and other systems designed to engage targets during an air attack.

On the other hand, passive air defense involves measures that are taken to mitigate the effects of air attacks. This can include actions such as camouflage, fortification, and other protective measures that reduce vulnerability to enemy air operations.

Attack operations, while integral to overall military strategy, do not specifically fall under the realm of TAD because they focus on offensive actions rather than defensive ones. While offensive air strikes can impact the air threat from enemy forces, they do not serve the purpose of protecting one's own forces from air attacks, which is the primary mission of TAD.

Therefore, identifying offensive air strikes as not part of Theater Air Defense aligns with the understanding that TAD is predominantly defensive in nature, focused on protection rather than proactive assault against enemy forces.