What are the two main branches of Operational DOD?

The correct answer identifies the two main branches of the operational Department of Defense (DOD) as Combatant Commands and Service Departments.

Combatant Commands are essential as they are responsible for conducting military operations across various domains and ensuring the readiness of forces within their area of responsibility. They are organized by geographical regions or functional areas (such as Special Operations or Cyber operations) and play a crucial role in the execution of military strategy and operations.

Service Departments, on the other hand, refer to the branches of the U.S. military—such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. These departments are tasked with the recruitment, training, and equipping of forces. They provide the manpower and resources necessary to fulfill the missions established by Combatant Commands.

Together, these two branches represent the operational structure that allows the DOD to effectively prepare for and respond to various national defense tasks and missions.