What are "combatant commands" (COCOMs)?

Combatant commands, often referred to as COCOMs, are unified commands that oversee military operations across specific geographic areas or functional responsibilities. This structure is crucial for coordinating the efforts of various services of the military, ensuring that strategic objectives are met effectively and efficiently. Each COCOM is led by a commander who is responsible for planning and executing operations within their designated area or for specific missions. This centralized command system allows for a cohesive approach to military engagement, ensuring that resources and tactical strategies are aligned with national security objectives.

The other options describe different types of military or operational commands but do not accurately define combatant commands. Focusing exclusively on training pertains to a different aspect of military readiness, while territorial commands related to domestic security do not align with the broad operational scope of COCOMs. Temporary missions for disaster relief represent mission-specific operations rather than the established structure and ongoing nature of combatant commands.