Which statement describes the Army's strategic roles in ground combat?

The correct statement highlights the Army's strategic roles in ground combat by focusing on the key components of preparing for and executing military operations. The emphasis on "shaping operational environments" indicates the Army's proactive measures to establish conditions that favor friendly forces, which is crucial for mission success. "Preventing conflict" underscores the importance of deterrence and diplomatic efforts to avoid escalation into full-scale war, aligning with the Army's broader goals of maintaining stability.

The phrase "prevailing in large-scale ground combat operations" reflects the Army's capacity and readiness to engage effectively in conventional warfare when conflicts arise. This is a critical aspect of its role, ensuring that the Army can operate at the scale required in high-intensity scenarios.

Finally, the inclusion of "consolidating gains" reinforces the concept that victory does not end with an engagement but extends to maintaining control and establishing enduring peace in the affected regions. This comprehensive understanding of the strategic roles highlights the Army's multifaceted approach to ground combat operations and its commitment to long-term objectives beyond immediate victories. This alignment of all four components makes the chosen answer particularly accurate in representing the Army's strategic roles.