7201 Planning

Question 1

Defeat Mechanisms
JP 5-0

Answer 1

JP 5-0: Destruction, Attrition, Exhaustion

US Army: Destroy, Dislocate, Disintegrate, Isolate
UK: Destruction, Dislocation, Disruption

They provide a useful tool for describing how a JFC intends to achieve an operational or strategic objective and ensure understanding of the commander’s intent by establishing common references for force employment.”

Question 2

Problem framing

Answer 2

What the command must accomplish, when and where it must be done, and most importantly, why-the purpose of the operation.
(MCWP 5-10 p4)

Input: Commander’s Orientation, Situational Info, HHQ Order, IPB

Activities
(Design Methodologies): Describe Current & desired states, Define the problem set, produce the Operational approach, reframe through planning & execution

Staff actions (Task analysis, CG Analysis, RCPA, Assumptions, limitations, Proposed Mission Statement)

Ongoing Activities - IPB refinement, convene cells, update running estimates, ID shortfall, Update CCIRs/RFIs, Planning & execution timeline

Results: Graphic & Narrative describing current & desired state, Problem set, Graphic & narrative for Op Approach (Mission Statement, Cmdr’s Intent, COA Dev Guidance)

Question 3

Red Cell

Answer 3

An individual or group of SMEs
- Employs enemy forces to help assessment of friendly COAs

Question 4

Red Team

Answer 4

School trained (0506) personnel reporting directly to the Chief of Staff

is a broadly applicable resource that supports the inclusion of independent, critical thought, and alternative perspectives to help facilitate problemsolving and decision-making processes, to include planning. In addition to support to planning, red teams can fully explore alternatives in operations, concepts, organizations, and capabilities within the context of the operational environment

Devil’s Advocate
Question assumptions and planning factors
“Why Not?” “What if?”

Question 5

Green Cell

Answer 5

Individual or group of SMEs
- Factors independent will of population
- Can include reps from NGOs or local populace

Question 6

Red Cell vs. Red Team

Answer 6

What red teams and red cells share in common—through an adversarial, contrarian approach—is the ability to expose plans to rigorous examination thereby improving an organization’s adaptability to a constantly changing environment.

But they differ in a number of ways. Red cells are a key OPT element from problem framing through COA war game. Red cell membership will vary by the nature of the threat whether an established nation-state military force or a non-state competitor. In contrast, red team members are school trained (0506 MOS) special staff reporting to the chief of staff. Where the red cell is integral to the OPT, red teams are an independent capability providing external support.

Question 7

Design Methodology (USMC 4 Steps)

Answer 7

1. Describe the current and desired states of the operational environment.
2. Define the problem set.
3. Produce the operational approach.
4. Reframe throughout planning and execution.

Question 8

COA Development

Answer 8

The COA development step produces options for accomplishing the mission in accordance with commander’s operational approach. It provides options for the commander and promotes further understanding of the environment, problem set, and the approach to solving the problem

Question 9

Develop Initial COAs
(MCTOG)

Answer 9

1) Establish BSF
2) Identify Forces available
3) Assign Purposes then Tasks
4) Task Organize
5) Integrate - TCMs, timelines, subdivide AO, develop concepts of support…

Question 10

Commander’s Operational Approach

Answer 10

Operational approach is broad, overarching guidance that the commander conveys through the commander’s intent and COA development guidance. The operational approach requires the input and synthesis of both design and the staff actions.

The operational approach is an expression of what the commander intends to accomplish and how it will be done using available resources.

This visualization reflects the commander’s understanding of the situation and his/her hypothesis for achieving the overall purpose. Put another way, the better the commander understands the situation and problem set, the more self-evident the solution.

Question 11

COA War Game

Answer 11

This step seeks to improve the COA by testing and stressing it against an enemy and/or adversary, or other forms of friction in operations such as humanitarian
assistance, in the operational environment. Planners identify and record flaws for correction in
the refined COA. Done well, COA wargaming improves COAs while enhancing a better
understanding of the environment, the problem set, and the forces (both friendly and
adversarial) involved. Planners evaluate refined COAs using the commander’s chosen criteria.

Question 12

COA Comparison and Decision

Question 13

4 War Game Methods

Answer 13

Key Event / Sequence of Essential Tasks
Avenue in Depth
Belt
Box

Question 14

Campaign