What defines a decisive operation?

A decisive operation is defined as one that directly accomplishes the mission or objective at hand. This type of operation is critical because it directly contributes to achieving the overall goals of a campaign or conflict. By focusing on actions that yield significant results, decisive operations provide clarity and direction within the broader operational framework.

The emphasis on "directly" is crucial; it means that the actions taken during a decisive operation are clearly aligned with the mission's aims and yield tangible outcomes. This helps ensure that resources are allocated effectively, and efforts are concentrated on actions that matter most in terms of strategic impact.

The other choices highlight aspects of military operations that may be relevant but do not define what makes an operation decisive. While strategic alliances can enhance effectiveness, they do not in themselves determine the decisiveness of an operation. Similarly, being least resource-intensive or limiting enemy movements are considerations for planning but do not inherently define the mission accomplishment that a decisive operation entails. Therefore, focusing on direct mission accomplishment is the essence of what makes an operation decisive.