Under OPCON, who can assign tasks and direct movements?

• A. Yes, with full authority to assign tasks and direct movements
• B. Only the commander with TACON can assign tasks and direct movements
• C. It requires approval from higher headquarters for any task
• D. It cannot assign tasks, only advise

Answer: (A)

Under Operational Control, a commander has the authority to organize and employ assigned forces to achieve the mission. This includes the power to assign tasks and direct movements of those forces as needed, within the scope of the operation and the units’ capabilities. In other words, OPCON gives broad directive authority to shape how forces are used on the battlefield.

TACON, by contrast, is more limited and focused on directing the execution of specific tasks rather than granting broad assignment authority, so it doesn’t replace the OPCON responsibility to assign tasks across the force. The idea that every task requires higher headquarters approval isn’t inherent to OPCON, and saying the commander can only advise contradicts the directive nature of OPCON.