What is a Commanding Officer’s intent?

The Commanding Officer's intent is fundamentally about clearly communicating the desired outcomes and objectives of a mission to subordinates. This intent serves as a guiding framework that empowers personnel to make decisions that align with the overarching goals of the mission, especially in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

By articulating their intent, the CO provides direction while allowing for flexibility in how subordinates achieve the mission objectives. This approach fosters initiative and adaptability among unit members, ensuring they understand not just what needs to be accomplished, but also the reasoning behind it.

The other options, while related to military operations, do not capture the essence of the CO's intent as they focus on rules, operational details, or training rather than the broader purpose and strategic vision that should guide all actions within the unit.