Planning 2 Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of mission planning?
It translates the commander’s visualization into a COA to solve a problem
Four planning pitfalls
Use the plan as a script for execution (too much focus on meeting the requirements of the plan instead of deciding and acting effectively)
Institutionalizing rigid planning methods (over emphasis on process – results in inflexible/rigid thinking)
What are Constraints? Examples?
restrictions placed on the on a unit by a higher command that dictate an action or inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action of a subordinate commander
ROE, Boundaries, Phase lines, Time
What is a turn in planning?
Actions – Events initiated by the side with the initiative
Reactions – Opposing side’s actions in response
Counteractions – the initiating side’s responses to reactions
What are Essential Tasks?
a Specified or Implied task that must be executed to accomplish the mission and are always included in the unit’s mission statement.
What is the purpose of Mission Analysis?
Gain situational understanding
Understand the operational environment
Understand the problem
Identify what must be accomplished
Identify the purpose of the operation
Mission Analysis Inputs
HOACH-U Higher HQ Knowledge and Intel products Other Organizations Knowledge Products ADM Products Commander's Initial Planning Guidance Higher HQ Orders Updated Running Estimates
Mission Analysis Outputs
PMI3UAE Problem Statement Mission Statement Initial Commander's Intent Initial Planning Guidance Initial CCIRs and EEFIs Updated IPB products and running estimates Assumptions Evaluation Criteria for COAs
Three Types of Orders
WARNO
OPORD
FRAGO
OPORD
A directive issued by a commander to subordinate commanders for the purpose of effecting the coordinated execution of an operation
FRAGO
An abbreviated form of an operation order issued after an operation order to change or modify that order or to execute a branch or sequel to that order
WARNO
A preliminary notice of an order or action that is to follow
What is the goal of MDMP Step 5 (COA Comparison)
The goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of COAs and selecting a COA with the highest probability of success.
What is a decision matrix?
A tool used to compare and evaluate COAs thoroughly and logically
7 Steps of MDMP?
Receipt of Mission Mission Analysis COA Development COA Analysis COA Comparison COA Approval Orders Production, Dissemination, Transition
What is an Area of Interest
area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence, areas adjacent thereto and extending into enemy territory and areas occupied by enemy forces who could jeopardize the mission
Area of Influence
Geographical area encompassing the AO where a commander is directly capable of influencing operations by maneuver or fire support systems
Two methods to record or display wargaming?
Synchronization Matrix
Sketch Note
Purpose of CCIR?
Helps commanders and staffs-
Gain & maintain Situational Understanding
Determine decision points (DPs)
Drive intelligence during planning and execution
Support assessment
What is a COA?
A broad potential solution to a an identified problem
When is a COA developed?
Step 3 of MDMP (COA Development)
What is the COA screening criteria?
Suitable Feasible Acceptable Distinguishable Complete
What makes a good COA?
Defeats all feasible enemy COAs
Flexible to meet unforeseen events
Position force for follow on missions
Plan vs Order
Plan is prepared well in advance of execution
order is a plan that has been directed for execution at a specific time or event
What is a COA compared against?
other COAs using evaluation criteria
Elements of Operational Art
End state and Conditions – 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 are the 8 elements of combat power?
Intelligence Fires Sustainment Protection Movement and Maneuver Command and Control Leadership Information
What COAs are developed during IPB?
MLCOA and MDCOA
MDMP Step 3 COA Development Inputs
- mission statement
- initial commander’s intent, planning guidance, CCIRs, EEFIs
- updated IPB and running estimate
- assumptions
- evaluation criteria for COAs
MDMP Step 3 COA Development Outputs
- COA statements and sketches
1. tentative task org
2. broad concept of operations - revised planning guidance
- updated assumptions
MDMP Step 4 COA Analysis and War-Gaming Inputs
Updated running estimates
Updated assumptions
Revised planning guidance
COA statements and sketches
MDMP Step 4 COA Analysis and War-Gaming Outputs
Initial assessment measures War-game results Updated Assumptions Refined COAs Potential decision points
What is key terrain
Any locality, or area, the seizure or retention of which affords a marked advantage
Three elements of Commander’s Intent
Expanded Purpose
Key Tasks
End State/Conditions F,E,T,C
Army Design Methodology graphic
Frame the OE
Frame the Problem
Develop an Approach
Actions by Friendly Force
Clear-remove all EF and eliminate resistance within an area
Control-maintain physical influence over a specified area
Seize-take possession of a designated area by using overwhelming force
Occupy-moving a FF to an area to control it. Done without enemy opposition
Secure-prevent a unit, facility, or location from being damaged or destroyed
Effects on Enemy Forces
Block
Disrupt
Suppress
Fix
