Which of the following best describes the commander's intent?

The commander's intent is best described as a broad expression of mission purpose because it conveys the overarching goal and desired end-state of a mission without getting bogged down in specifics. This concept allows teams to understand the why behind their tasks, enabling them to make informed decisions and adapt to changing circumstances on the ground while still advancing toward the mission objectives.

A detailed operational manual, while useful for guidelines, is too narrow in focus and doesn't capture the flexibility and understanding that commander's intent provides. A directive specifying ranks relates more to the structure of the organization than to the mission's purpose, and a statement of logistics involved focuses primarily on operational aspects rather than the mission's broader goals. Therefore, the chosen option effectively encapsulates the essence of commander's intent, which is to inspire and guide teams towards a common purpose.