Define the six elements of a unit's combat capability and describe how they interrelate.

• A. The six elements are unrelated and function independently.
• B. Maneuver and fires are the only critical elements; others are optional.
• C. Maneuver and fires enable action; protection preserves the force; sustainment sustains operations; intelligence informs decisions; mission command synchronizes all elements to achieve decisive action.
• D. Intelligence is the sole driver of operations while others follow.

Answer: (C)

The question tests how a unit’s combat capability is an integrated system built from six interconnected elements. Those elements are maneuver, fires, protection, sustainment, intelligence, and mission command. Maneuver and fires create and exploit actions on the battlefield, shaping the opportunity to achieve decisive effects. Protection preserves the force by reducing risk and sustaining combat power through defense, safety, and risk management. Sustainment keeps operations going by providing logistics, maintenance, medical support, and other services necessary to stay in the fight. Intelligence informs decisions by delivering timely understanding of the enemy, terrain, and courses of action, which shapes how and where to apply power. Mission command ties everything together by providing clear intent, decentralized decision-making, and synchronized action across all elements so that every action contributes to a common objective. Together, these six elements operate as a cohesive system; if one part is weak, the whole effort can falter.