Operations are dispersed and the commander still retains planning authority at the top. In CC-DC-DE, which part is this?

• A. Centralized Command
• B. Distributed Control
• C. Decentralized Execution
• D. Unified Command

Answer: (A)

Centralized Command is when the top-level commander keeps the planning authority while operations are carried out by dispersed forces. The core idea is that overall intent and the main plan come from the highest level, and execution is distributed across units or locations under that central directive. The scenario—operations spread out but planning authority remaining at the top—fits this arrangement perfectly, since planning stays centralized even as actions occur across multiple places. This contrasts with distributed control, where control functions are spread out to manage dispersed elements directly; with decentralized execution, lower levels gain the authority to act and adapt on their own; and with unified command, multiple organizations share command for a coordinated effort.