Which command includes forces from several military departments and serves a broad operational purpose?

The correct answer is Unified Combatant Command. This command structure is specifically designed to include forces from multiple military departments—such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps—and is tasked with a broad, overarching operational mission. Unified Combatant Commands operate under the authority of the Department of Defense and are generally organized based on either geographical areas of responsibility or functional missions, such as operations, logistics, or training.

Geographically, these commands can span across multiple nations and regions, coordinating joint operations in a cohesive manner. Functionally, they might focus on specific missions like cyber operations or special operations that require the resources and expertise of multiple branches of the military working together. This interdepartmental collaboration enables more efficient and effective responses to complex challenges that a single military branch alone may not be able to handle.

Other command structures mentioned, such as Joint Task Forces and Combined Commands, also involve multiple services or allied forces but do not reflect the same level of permanence or organizational scope as Unified Combatant Commands. Direct Reporting Units, on the other hand, are subordinate elements that report directly to a higher organization and do not encompass forces from multiple military departments for broad operational control.