What is the purpose of actions executed to mislead an adversary's decision makers?

The purpose of actions executed to mislead an adversary's decision makers is categorized as military deception. Military deception is a strategic tactic used to create false perceptions in enemy minds, leading them to make decisions based on incorrect or misleading information. This can involve various methods such as feints, misinformation, and simulations to obscure your true capabilities or intentions.

By employing military deception, a force can manipulate the adversary’s understanding of the situation, influencing their decisions in ways that can lead to tactical advantages. For example, if an enemy believes that troops are concentrated in one area, they may allocate their resources accordingly, allowing the deceptive force to exploit weaknesses elsewhere. This tactic has been a critical component of military strategy throughout history, as it can significantly impact the outcomes of engagements without direct confrontation.