What is OPCON in the context of military command?

OPCON, or Operational Control, refers to the authority to organize and employ commands and forces to accomplish specific missions. This level of command authority allows a commander to plan and direct operations, but it does not involve full administrative control or budgetary responsibilities. OPCON gives the commander the ability to allocate resources, integrate various components of forces, and coordinate efforts among different units to achieve operational success.

In contrast, other choices reflect different aspects of military operations but do not accurately describe OPCON. Personnel logistics involves managing the troops and resources but does not capture the comprehensive authority implied in OPCON. Limited control over movements suggests a much narrower scope than what OPCON entails, as it supports broader mission-oriented tasks rather than just movement coordination. Lastly, direct liaison with external agencies addresses communication and collaboration but does not define the command authority inherent in OPCON. Understanding OPCON as a broad command authority is crucial for effectively leading military operations.