Which order provides an approved course of action and strategic lift for planning purposes?

The correct choice is the Alert Order, as it serves as a directive for military personnel, signaling that a deployment or operation is anticipated. It not only indicates that a situation may require mobilization but also lays the groundwork for logistical planning and strategic lift. An Alert Order informs units to prepare for potential actions, ensuring that deployments can be executed swiftly and efficiently when necessary.

Other options do not serve the same role in the planning process. For example, an Execution Order details specific instructions for conducting operations but does not provide the broader planning framework. A Command Order typically communicates the intent or directives from leadership but lacks the specificity regarding strategic lift and action preparation that an Alert Order encompasses. A Deployment Order provides instructions for actual deployment missions but usually follows an Alert Order and does not function as a planning tool in the same preparatory sense. Therefore, the Alert Order is the key document for establishing a course of action in anticipation of operations.