Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of conventional forces?

The correct answer is identified as nuclear weapons, as they are not considered a characteristic of conventional forces. Conventional forces typically refer to the standard military forces and equipment used in regular warfare scenarios, which include infantry, tanks, artillery, and conventional bombs. These forces engage in traditional combat using weapons that are generally understood to be non-nuclear in nature.

Nuclear weapons, on the other hand, represent a distinctly different category of military capability. They are characterized by their mass destructive power and the strategic implications they carry, which transform the nature of warfare beyond conventional means. The use of nuclear weapons often leads to considerations of deterrence rather than direct engagement, marking a significant departure from the principles governing conventional military operations.

Consequently, the inclusion of nuclear weapons within a list of conventional forces does not align with the traditional definition of conventional warfare, highlighting why this option stands out as the correct answer in this context.