What might a commander use to visualize the operational environment?

A commander employs operational graphics to effectively visualize the operational environment because these graphics provide a clear, visual representation of key aspects of the battlefield and the mission. They can illustrate terrain, troop movements, enemy positions, and various operational elements, all in one concise format that is easy to understand at a glance. This visual aid helps in assessing the situation and making informed decisions during the planning and execution phases of operations.

Operational graphics serve multiple purposes, such as enhancing communication among staff members, providing a comprehensive overview for briefings, and facilitating the commander's understanding of complex scenarios. This use of visual representations aids in recognizing relationships between various forces and terrain features, which is crucial for operational effectiveness.

The other options, while important components of military operations, do not serve the primary purpose of visualizing the operational environment in the same way. Situation reports convey information about current conditions but lack the visual elements; resource allocation charts focus on the distribution of assets rather than the operational landscape, and mission statements outline objectives without depicting the environment.