Which branch of the C2 chain focuses on responsibilities related to missions and forces assigned to combatant commanders?

The operational branch of the C2 (Command and Control) chain primarily deals with the planning, execution, and management of missions and forces that are assigned to combatant commanders. This branch is critical for ensuring that military operations align with strategic objectives and that resources are allocated effectively to meet the demands of combat situations.

The operational focus encompasses a broad range of activities, including mission planning, force deployment, and the overall coordination necessary to achieve desired outcomes in combat scenarios. By having a dedicated operational branch, combatant commanders can ensure that their forces are prepared and that their missions are conducted effectively, which is vital in a dynamic and often rapidly changing battlefield environment.

This emphasis on missions and direct operational oversight distinguishes the operational branch from others, such as administrative, which primarily handles support functions, strategic, which looks at long-range planning and objectives beyond immediate combat needs, and tactical, which involves the execution of specific tasks at the battlefield level. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping how military command structures are organized and operate to fulfill their objectives.