How does operational art support military campaigns?

Operational art plays a crucial role in military campaigns by serving as the bridge between tactics, which are the specific actions taken on the battlefield, and broader strategic objectives, which are the overarching goals of the war effort. This linkage enables commanders to ensure that their tactical decisions are not made in isolation but rather contribute meaningfully to the larger plan for achieving military, political, or diplomatic objectives.

Through operational art, military leaders can align resources, staffing decisions, and tactical operations with strategic ends, allowing for a more coherent and comprehensive approach to warfare. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the operational environment, assessing risks, and ensuring that operational plans are responsive to both immediate tactical conditions and long-term strategic goals. This holistic view helps in optimizing the use of forces and resources, ultimately leading to more effective and successful military campaigns.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the importance of operational art. Eliminating the need for strategy undermines the purpose of operational art, while focusing exclusively on supply routes does not encompass the broader implications of operational planning. Additionally, isolating units from strategic decisions would impede coordination and undermine the unity of effort necessary for success in complex military operations.