Which command authority allows a commander to organize and employ forces to accomplish the mission?

• A. Operational Control
• B. Tactical Control
• C. Combatant Command
• D. Administrative Control

Answer: (A)

Operational Control is the authority that lets a commander organize and employ forces to accomplish the assigned mission. It provides the power to deploy forces, assign tasks, designate components, and adjust arrangements as needed to achieve the objective within the operation's scope. Tactical Control handles directing specific tasks and maneuvers for execution, but doesn’t grant the broader ability to reorganize or reallocate forces. Administrative Control covers support and administrative functions, not the operational employment of forces. Combatant Command is the overarching authority over all assigned forces, but the explicit authority to organize and employ forces for a mission rests with Operational Control.