What three elements comprise a Commander's Intent?

The three elements that comprise a Commander's Intent are Purpose, Key Tasks, and End State of the Mission.

Understanding the Commander's Intent is critical for subordinates to effectively execute operations in alignment with the commander's vision. The Purpose clarifies why the mission is important and what it seeks to achieve, providing context for all actions taken. Key Tasks outline the essential actions needed to fulfill that mission, guiding leaders and soldiers on specific priorities. Finally, the End State represents the desired outcome or the conditions that must exist when the mission is completed, serving as a benchmark for success.

This structure ensures that all members of the unit can act decisively and adaptively within the framework set by the commander, making it easier to achieve the overall mission objectives even when situations change on the ground. The other options, while related to planning and execution, do not specifically capture the strategic outlines and priorities necessary for military operations as defined by Commander's Intent.