Which of the following is critical during a Squad Assault?

During a Squad Assault, maintaining communication with the command is critical because it ensures that all team members are aligned with the operational objectives and can receive real-time updates about the situation on the ground. Effective communication allows the squad to coordinate movements, adjust tactics, and respond to changing conditions within the operational environment. This communication helps to avoid friendly fire incidents, reinforces situational awareness, and ensures that support elements can be effectively deployed as needed. By remaining in contact with command, the squad can execute the assault more efficiently and effectively, increasing their chances of success while minimizing risks.

In contrast, while exploring alternative routes can be beneficial in certain contexts, it's less critical than direct communication with command during an active assault. Personal defense strategies may enhance individual safety, but they do not provide the strategic coordination needed for a successful squad operation. Performance appraisals are unrelated to the immediate tactical environment and focus instead on evaluation and feedback, which is not pertinent during the execution of a squad assault.