What is the ultimate goal of effective operational war?

The ultimate goal of effective operational war centers on building campaign and major operational plans (OPLANs). This emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that outline how military operations will be conducted in order to achieve broader objectives. These plans serve as the foundation for managing resources, coordinating efforts among various units, and ensuring that all actions are aligned with overarching political and military goals.

Effective operational warfare entails not only the execution of isolated missions but also the integration and synchronizing of those missions into a larger framework. This cohesion is crucial for sustaining momentum in military campaigns and ensuring the successful transition from tactical victories to strategic success. Ultimately, well-crafted OPLANs facilitate a more effective response to complex scenarios, maximizing the chances of achieving long-term objectives in a conflict situation.

In this context, the other options relate to important aspects of military operations but do not encompass the overarching aim of effective operational war. While achieving local victories and fostering partnerships can be valuable, they are often components within the larger strategy laid out in a thorough operational plan. Detering political aggression is also a critical outcome, but it typically stems from the success of the broader operational plans rather than being the primary goal itself.