Planning Flashcards
Define MDMP and define at least one product produced by the process.
- An iterative planning methodology to understand the situation and mission, develop a
course of action, and produce an operation plan or order. Facilitates collaborative
planning and supports preparation. - Produces an OPORD or an OPLAN
What are the four planning pitfalls?
- Planning too far into the future
- Planning in too much detail
- Using planning as scripts for execution
- Using planning methods that are too rigid
What is a constraint? Give two examples.
A constraint is a restriction given to you by higher command.
It dictates an action or inaction and restricts freedom of action for a subordinate commander.
Examples: ROE/Policies Reporting Requirements Time (NET/NLT) Boundaries Infil Methods
What is Key Terrain? Give an example.
Key Terrain is terrain that provides a marked advantage over an adversary. An example of key terrain in a COIN environment could be a bridge that is critical to the local populace. In that case it would be key because we would not want to destroy the bridge and anger the local population.
What is an Essential Task?
Essential tasks are specified or implied tasks that must be executed to accomplish the mission. They are always included in the units mission statement.
When does the targeting process start in MDMP?
During mission planning, the targeting process can begin as soon as receipt of mission, however it is specifically conducted in step 2 of MDMP (MA), step 3 (evaluate the threat) of IPB.
What are the steps of MDMP?
- Receipt of Mission
- Mission Analysis
- COA Development
- COA Analysis
- COA Comparison
- COA Approval
- Orders Production, Dissemination, and Transition
What are the inputs/outputs of Step 4 of MDMP?
Inputs:
- COA statements/sketches
- Revised planning guidance
- Updated running estimates
- Updated assumptions
Outputs:
- Refined COAs
- Initial assessment measures
- Potential DPs
- War-gaming results
- Updated assumptions
What are the inputs/outputs of Step 3 of MDMP?
Inputs:
- Mission statement
- Initial commanders intent, planning guidance, CCIR and EEFI
- updated IPB, estimates
- Evaluation criteria for COAs
Outputs:
- COA sketches and statement
- tentative task org
- broad concept of the operation
- Revised planning guidance
- Updated assumptions
What are the COA screening criteria?
- feasibility
- acceptability
- suitability
- distinguishability
- completeness
What drives intelligence during mission planning and execution?
CCIR
What is a COA?
A COA is a broad potential solution to an identified problem. COA development generates options for follow on analysis and provides flexibility to meet unforeseen events.
Task one of COA analysis is gather the tools, what are the tools?
Running estimates, Recording Tools, MCOO, Maps, COAs, Doctrine
What makes a good COA?
A good COA can defeat all feasible enemy threats and executes all essential tasks.
How are COAs compared?
In step 4, COAs are compared against the enemy’s Most Likely Course of Action (MLCOA) and the Most Dangerous Course of Action (MDCOA), but not against each other.
In step 5, they are compared to each other using the evaluation criteria the commander established in step 2.
Why is COA analysis important?
It helps commanders synchronize the war fighting functions, identify difficulties or coordination problems, as well as probable consequences. It determines required success conditions and resources. Results in refined COAs, synch matrix, decision matrixes, strength and weaknesses, new COAs.
Name and define the elements of Operational Art
- End state and Conditions – The end state is a set of desired future conditions the
commander wants to exist when an operation ends - Centers of Gravity (COG) – The source of power that provides moral or physical
strength, freedom of action, or will to act. - Decisive Points – Place, key event, factor, or function that when acted upon,
provides a commander with a marked advantage over an adversary, or contribute
materially to achieving success. - Lines of Operation (LOO)/Lines of Effort (LOE) – A line that defines the directional
orientation of a force in time and space in relation to the enemy and that links the force
with its base of operations and objectives. (Geographic) / A line that links multiple tasks
using the logic of purpose rather than geographical reference to focus efforts toward
establishing operational and strategic conditions. (Conceptual) - Operational Reach – Operational reach is the distance and duration across which a
force can successfully employ military capabilities. - Tempo – The relative speed and rhythm of a military unit
- Basing – A location from which operations are projected or supported
- Phasing and Transitions – Phasing is a planning and execution tool used to divide
an operation in duration or activity. Transitions mark a change of focus between phases
or between the ongoing operation and execution of a branch or sequel. - Culmination – A point in time and space at which a force no longer possesses the
capability to continue its current form of operations. - Risk – Commanders assess and mitigate risk throughout the operations process
What is and what are the Elements of Combat Power?
Combat Power - The total means of destructive, constructive, and information capabilities that a military unit or formation can apply at a given time
6 WFF + Leadership and Information
Step four of MDMP, what is a Turn and explain what each of them is.
Action – Events initiated by the side with the initiative
Reaction – Opposing side’s actions in response
Counter-action – the initiating side’s responses to reactions