What type of target, if lost, will significantly impact the success of the friendly course of action?

The correct choice identifies a type of target that, if lost, would severely hinder the success of a friendly course of action. High-Payoff Targets are specifically those that yield significant operational advantages or disrupt the enemy's capabilities if successfully engaged. These targets hold critical importance due to their potential to influence the course of a mission substantially.

In military operations, the loss of a High-Payoff Target can lead to a decrease in the enemy's operational effectiveness, allowing friendly forces to gain the upper hand. This is because High-Payoff Targets often include key assets or facilities that, if destroyed or neutralized, impede the enemy's ability to sustain operations, logistics, or command and control.

This concept is essential for operational planning, as identifying and prioritizing High-Payoff Targets allows commanders to allocate resources effectively and maximize the impact of their actions on the battlefield. Therefore, the strategic significance of these targets directly correlates with the success of the mission, thereby reinforcing why their loss would significantly impact the success of the friendly course of action.