103 OPERATIONAL PLANS Flashcards
103.1 Define the purpose and development of an Operational Plan (OPLAN)
NWP 5-01 1.7.1 Operational Plan (OPLAN). There are two forms of planning, deliberate and crisis action. In deliberate planning, the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP) initiates planning, and the end product is a plan (OPLAN or concept plan (CONPLAN)), that goes on the shelf. The Navy Component Commander/JFMCC will develop supporting plans for the Combatant Commanders OPLAN.
JP 5-0 II.15.a.(2).(e).4 An OPLAN is a complete and detailed joint plan containing a full description of the CONOPS, all annexes applicable to the plan, and a time phased force deployment data (TPFDD). It identifies the specific forces, functional support, and resources required to execute the plan and provide closure estimates for their flow into the theater. OPLANs can be quickly developed into an OPORD.
103.2 Explain the update process for the OPLANs at your command
CJCSI 3141.01E. Enc B 4.d.(2)(a) JSCP-tasked contingency plans will be reviewed no later than every eighteen months.
103.3 Define the sections and Annexes of an OPLAN
CJCSI 3141.01E. Level 4 operation plans (OPLAN) should contain Annexes A, B, C, D, J, K, R, S, V, W, Y and Z and a TPFDD.
JP 5-0 Appendix A. Standard Annexes are:
A—Task Organization B—Intelligence C—Operations D—Logistics E—Personnel F—Public Affairs G—Civil–Military Operations H—Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations J—Command Relationships K—Communications Systems L—Environmental Considerations M—Geospatial Information and Services N—Space Operations P—Host-Nation Support Q—Medical Services R—Reports S—Special Technical Operations T—Consequence Management U—Notional Counterproliferation Decision Guide V—Interagency Coordination W—Contingency Contracting X—Execution Checklist Y—Strategic Communication Z—Distribution
103.4 Explain the purpose of the concept of operations (CONOPS)
NWP 5-01 5.3.11 CONOPS is a written summary of a COA. The CONOPS describes the conditions required for the operation or phase(s) to begin and provides the sequence of actions to achieve the end state. It is normally expressed in terms of main, supporting, shaping, and sustaining efforts. The commander can also use the CONOPS to establish priorities of effort, and identify risk tolerance. The sequence of actions portion of the CONOPS is critical because it explains to subordinate and supporting units how their tasks are timed with the tasks of the others.
JP 5-0 II.14.c. Concept Development. During deliberate planning, the commander develops several COAs, each containing an initial CONOPS that identifies, at a minimum, major capabilities required and task organization, major operational tasks to be accomplished, a concept of employment, and assessment of risk.
103.5 Explain the different phases and transitions in an OPLAN
JP 5-0 III.C. Phasing. A phase is characterized by the “focus” that is placed on it. Phases are distinct in time, space, and/or purpose from one another, but must be planned in support of each other and should represent a natural progression. Each phase has a set of starting conditions (that define the start of the phase) and ending conditions (that define the end of the phase). The ending conditions of one phase are the starting conditions for the next phase.
Transitions between phases are designed to be distinct shifts in force’s focus, often accompanied by changes in command or support relationships. The activities that predominate during a given phase, however, rarely align with neatly definable breakpoints. The need to move into another phase normally is identified by assessing that a set of objectives are achieved or that the enemy has acted in a manner that requires a major change in focus and is therefore usually event driven.
The six notional OPLAN phases are: Phase 0 Shape Phase I Deter Phase II Seize the Initiative Phase III Dominate Phase IV Stabilize Phase V Enable Civil Authority
103.6 Explain C Day, D Day, and H Hour
JP 5-0 II 13.c.(5) C Day, D Day, H Hour. D-Day is the day on which operations commence or are scheduled to commence. The specific time an operation begins is H-hour. While OPORD operations commence on the specified D-day and H-hour, deployments providing forces, equipment, and sustainment to support such are defined by C-day, the day on which deployment operations begin.
