What are the tactics used by entities to achieve their goals known as?

The term "Methods of Operation" (MOs) specifically refers to the distinct practices, procedures, and tactics that entities employ to achieve their objectives. Understanding an entity's MOs is crucial in counterintelligence, as it provides insight into their goals, behaviors, and potential vulnerabilities. This terminology is often used in intelligence and law enforcement contexts to categorize the methods by which an organization or individual conducts their activities, especially in situations involving covert operations or espionage.

In contrast, while terms like strategies, operational tactics, and approaches may describe aspects of planning or execution, they do not convey the same specificity regarding the habitual patterns and techniques that characterize an entity's operational behavior. MOs encapsulate not just the tactics employed but also the overall methodology behind those tactics, thus making this term the most appropriate choice for identifying the systematic behaviors of entities in achieving their goals.