Which type of mission involves both strategic and tactical operations involving air power?

The chosen answer pertains to counterland operations, which encompass missions designed to destroy or disrupt the enemy's ability to conduct ground operations. This type of mission uses air power strategically to affect the enemy's overall warfighting ability while also engaging in tactical operations that can target specific enemy units or capabilities. Counterland missions blend both strategic objectives, such as weakening the enemy's ground force capabilities, and tactical actions, like engaging in direct combat with enemy ground positions.

In contrast, air superiority primarily focuses on controlling the airspace to deny the enemy the same advantage, without necessarily incorporating ground operations. Compartmented operations refer to classified actions that restrict access to certain information, lacking the broader operational scope. Strategic bombing emphasizes the large-scale, long-term destruction of enemy infrastructure or morale rather than integrating tactical engagements. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why counterland operations effectively involve both strategic and tactical elements of air power.