Identify a common military shortfall that can lead to operational failures.

Poor communication between units is a significant shortfall that can lead to operational failures in military settings. Effective communication is crucial for coordinating movements, sharing intelligence, and executing strategies. When units do not communicate effectively, it can result in misunderstandings, delayed responses, and a lack of situational awareness.

For example, if one unit is unaware of the movements of another, there is a risk of friendly fire incidents or missed opportunities to exploit enemy weaknesses. Communication breakdowns can also hinder the ability to relay critical information in real-time, affecting decision-making at all command levels. Therefore, strong communication protocols and practices are essential for operational success and cohesion among military units.

In contrast, while the other options may also contribute to operational challenges, they do not encapsulate the criticality of communication breakdowns, which directly impact inter-unit collaboration and effectiveness during missions.