Which level is generally the realm of Combatant Commanders and their subordinate components, focusing on the application of operational art?

• A. Strategic
• B. Administrative
• C. Tactical
• D. Operational

Answer: (D)

Combatant Commanders and their subordinate components operate at the level where campaigns and major operations are planned and executed to connect strategic objectives with battlefield actions. This is the operational level, sitting between strategy and tactics. Here, the focus is on applying operational art: designing and conducting campaigns that synchronize actions across theaters, services, and domains, shaping tempo, timing, and resource allocation to achieve strategic ends. Strategic level deals with national policy and long-range goals, while tactical level handles the specifics of individual battles and engagements. Administrative isn’t a level of warfare. So the realm described is the operational level.