Which of the following best defines a Combatant Command?

• A. A command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander and composed of significant components from two or more Military Departments, established by the President through the Secretary of Defense with CJCS advice
• B. A unit within a single military department
• C. A temporary coalition for humanitarian missions
• D. A training organization for joint operations

Answer: (A)

A Combatant Command is a unified command with a broad, continuing mission under a single commander and composed of significant forces from two or more Military Departments, established by the President through the Secretary of Defense with the advice of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This structure establishes joint, interdepartmental authority for major operations and ensures a single point of command for enduring missions, spanning more than one service.

A unit within a single military department doesn’t meet the requirement of cross-service forces and a unified command. A temporary coalition for humanitarian missions is typically ad hoc and multinational, not a standing DoD command established with CJCS advisory input. A training organization for joint operations focuses on education and readiness, not command and control of an ongoing operational mission.