How does the DoD define 'mission assurance'?

The definition of 'mission assurance' by the DoD emphasizes the processes and practices that ensure critical missions can be effectively carried out, even in the presence of threats or vulnerabilities. This involves a comprehensive approach to risk management that includes identifying potential risks, implementing protective measures, and maintaining the capability to perform essential functions despite challenges.

Mission assurance is not solely about recovery after a breach, which would pertain more to resilience or incident response, thus making the first choice less accurate. While training personnel is vital for mission success and can enhance overall operational capability, it is just one aspect of a broader mission assurance framework, which is why the protocols for training do not capture the entire scope. Upgrading technological resources is also essential, but it is a component of maintaining operational readiness rather than defining the overarching concept of mission assurance. Therefore, focusing on the processes that underpin successful performance of critical missions aligns most closely with the DoD's definition.