I think I get it.
Calan, when I play I see these as mission types
1. Base Defense - Local (first response, base about to come under attack)
Air or Ground
2. Base Defense - Under heavy attack (requires response from neighboring base to kill CAP and and secure base)
Air or Ground
3. Base Defense - Goon sweep - basically kill incoming C-47s to prevent or stall capture until reinforcements arrive.
4. Premptive strike (defense) - hit likely enemy base being used to launch attacks, kill troops and ord.
5. Offensive Strike - soften up bases for capture
6. NOE offensive strike
7. Base Capture
8. NOE Base Capture
9. Blow everything up,
10. Vultch base prep