What is often considered the best visual aid for issuing a combat order?

A terrain model is often regarded as the best visual aid for issuing a combat order due to its ability to represent key features of the operational environment in a three-dimensional form. These models allow soldiers to visualize the terrain, understand the geography, and see how different elements such as elevation, obstacles, and routes will affect movement and tactics. This spatial representation is crucial in combat scenarios where clear understanding of the landscape can significantly influence decision-making and operational effectiveness.

Using a terrain model enhances communication among team members, as it provides a common visual reference that can aid in explaining complex maneuvers and strategies. While other options, such as digital presentations or verbal explanations, can also serve to convey information, they may not provide the same tactile, interactive experience that a terrain model offers. This hands-on approach to understanding terrain directly ties into essential military operations, making it an invaluable tool during planning and execution phases of combat orders.