Which statement best describes Operational Control (OPCON)?

• A. Gives commander the authority to organize, direct, and employ forces to accomplish a mission.
• B. Allows the commander to assign tactical targets across the battlespace.
• C. Grants authority to coordinate air defense only within a theater.
• D. Enables direct engagement with enemy forces without coordination.

Answer: (A)

OPCON represents the authority to organize, direct, and employ forces to accomplish a mission. That means a commander can plan the operation, allocate and task subordinate units, and shape how the force is used to achieve the objective. It provides broad direction over how the forces operate to accomplish the assigned task, not just a narrow function or a single area.

This is broader than narrowly coordinating something like air defense within a theater or designating specific targets across the battlespace; it’s about the overall organization and employment of forces to meet the mission. It also excludes uncoordinated engagement, since proper command and control involves directing and coordinating actions through the chain of command.