Which of the following encompasses both direct and indirect operational environments?

The area of operations refers to the specific geographical region where military forces are deployed and conduct their activities. This concept encompasses both direct and indirect operational environments, which means it includes not only the immediate area where combat operations are occurring but also the surrounding regions that can influence those operations or are affected by them.

Direct operational environments involve areas where forces actively engage with the enemy, whereas indirect operational environments may encompass regions where the threat exists but is not directly engaged, such as supply routes, supporting nations, or areas where civilian populations are present. Thus, the area of operations is a comprehensive term that effectively integrates both aspects, allowing planners to strategize for the entirety of the operational setting.

The other provided options, while related to operational concepts, either focus on specific aspects (such as mission parameters or phase objectives) or are broader than what is typically defined as an area of operations.