Which is not an element of control?

• A. CMD presence
• B. ADP 6-0
• C. Configured combat loads
• D. Commanders intent

Answer: (A)

Control in operations rests on doctrine, guidance, and the systems that allow leaders to direct and coordinate actions under changing conditions. ADP 6-0 provides the authoritative framework for mission command and how command and control should function, so it is a direct element of control. Commanders intent expresses the purpose and end state that shape decisions when explicit instructions aren’t available, which is essential for maintaining coordinated action and is also a core part of control. Configured combat loads describe how ammunition and fires are prepared and allocated to meet plan requirements; this is a logistics readiness aspect that supports control by ensuring the right resources are available to execute the plan, but it isn’t a control mechanism itself. Command presence, while valuable for leadership and morale, is not a formal control element. Therefore, the item describing command presence does not fit the control construct.