What authority is granted by Title 10, U.S.C. or by the POTUS and cannot be delegated?

The correct answer pertains to Combatant Command Authority, which is specifically granted to the President of the United States and cannot be delegated. This authority is fundamental in the structure of military command within the U.S. Armed Forces. It involves the direction and control of assigned forces across a broad geographic area and encompasses comprehensive responsibilities for planning and execution of military operations within that area.

Combatant Commanders are responsible for the overall strategic direction of military operations, and because this authority is central to executing national defense policy and military strategy, it is designed to be a direct responsibility of the President or a national leader. This ensures coherent command and control over military operations aligned with national interests.

In contrast, other authority types, such as Operational Control or Joint Command Authority, may be delegated to subordinate commanders. The distinction lies in the level of strategic oversight and control required, which is integral to ensuring military effectiveness and mission success in a unified manner across different branches of the military.