Which order is issued by the Secretary of Defense to direct the deployment and/or employment of forces?

The term that is correctly associated with the directive issued by the Secretary of Defense to direct the deployment and/or employment of forces is "Execute." In military operations, to "execute" means to carry out a mission or plan as directed. This involves taking action based on orders that have been received from higher authority, which, in this context, pertains to the deployment and operational employment of military forces.

The issuance of an "Execute" order signifies that forces are to commence their specific assigned operations, reflecting the authority and intent of the Secretary of Defense. This command is a critical step in military operations, as it represents the transition from planning to action, ensuring that all units understand their tasks and objectives. The clarity and immediacy of an "Execute" order are essential for effective military maneuvering and timing.

Other options might represent various facets of military command or operational terminology but do not align as closely with the formal directive to deploy or employ forces in the same urgent and actionable context as "Execute." Thus, the focus on operational readiness and immediate action reinforces why "Execute" is the appropriate choice in this scenario.