What term describes an aggressive act committed by any person which does not amount to an assault and is necessary to accomplish one's objective?

The term that accurately describes an aggressive act committed by any person that does not amount to an assault but is necessary to accomplish one's objective is "force." This concept recognizes that certain situations may require the use of force to achieve specific goals, particularly in contexts like law enforcement or self-defense scenarios, where the intention is to manage a situation without crossing the threshold into assault, which typically involves causing bodily harm or an immediate threat of such harm.

In this context, "defense" usually pertains to actions taken to protect oneself or others from imminent harm, while "retaliation" carries the implication of responding to an action that has already occurred, often with the intent of inflicting harm or punishment. "Assault," by definition, involves an intentional act that creates an apprehension of harmful or offensive contact, ultimately suggesting a higher level of aggression than a mere act of force. Therefore, the term "force" is more appropriately suited to describe the necessary aggressive acts that fall short of assault while facilitating the accomplishment of a specific objective.