Which of the following is the cognitive approach commanders and staffs use to develop operations to organize and employ military forces by integrating ends, ways, and means?

The cognitive approach that commanders and staffs use for developing operations is best described as synchronization. This process involves coordinating various elements of military operations to ensure that all parts of a force are working together effectively towards common objectives. In this context, synchronization refers to the integration of ends (the desired outcomes), ways (the methods to achieve those outcomes), and means (the resources available, such as personnel and equipment). By achieving synchronization, commanders can align their forces' actions and capabilities to operate more efficiently and effectively in a complex environment, ultimately enhancing operational effectiveness.

Operational planning, while it is an important process, encompasses a broader range of actions, including determining objectives and devising plans to achieve them. Mission analysis focuses on understanding the specific tasks that need to be accomplished, which is a component of operational planning but does not itself represent the cognitive integration of all elements of military force. Combat assessment is related to evaluating the effectiveness of military operations post-execution and does not directly address the planning and organizational aspects of military operations. Thus, synchronization is the term that encapsulates the integration of these various elements in a cohesive and structured manner.