Which level of war focuses on linking tactical employment of forces to strategic objectives?

The operational level of war serves as a crucial bridge between the tactical and strategic levels. It focuses on the organization and deployment of forces to achieve strategic objectives and outcomes. This level involves planning and conducting campaigns that translate broader strategic goals into actionable military operations.

At the operational level, military leaders consider how to effectively employ tactical units in a way that aligns with and supports the overarching objectives of a conflict or military engagement. This includes aspects such as logistics, resource allocation, and coordinating various capabilities across different branches of the military, ensuring that efforts are synchronized to produce a cohesive outcome.

In contrast, the strategic level of war is more concerned with the overall political and military aims, while the tactical level focuses on the specific actions and maneuvers carried out on the battlefield. Limited war typically refers to conflicts with restricted objectives or means, which does not capture the full scope of operational considerations necessary for aligning tactics with strategy. Therefore, the operational level stands out as the correct choice because it specifically addresses the linkage of tactical actions to strategic goals.