U3C1L3: Planning Projects

Question 1

Standard Operating Procedure

Answer 1

A list of established actions to carrying out a given task.

Question 2

Memorandum of Instruction

Answer 2

A written document that details the specifics of a project or mission.

Question 3

What are the 7 steps to developing projects?

Answer 3

1. Identify problem, mission, or task (receive mission and analyze to determine the next steps)
2. Gather information (provide any available information to make solutions)
3. Develop solutions/courses of action (choose solutions that accomplish mission after considering all ideas)
4. Analyze/compare solutions (prepare estimates and recommend solutions to complete tasks or courses of action: COA)
5. Decide (announces decisions about plan and makes decisions regarding all information gathered)
6. Develop the plan (analyze mission to determine next actions)
7. Implement the plan and assess the results (submit, go through, and then talk about the plan after to see what to do for next time)

Question 4

What are some things that cadets need to understand in Step 1 to provide purpose, direction, and motivation?

Answer 4

• Why are we undertaking this mission?
• How will the mission be accomplished?
• What will motivate Cadets to successfully complete the mission?

Question 5

What are some questions that can help gather information in Step 2?

Answer 5

• What do we know about the mission?
• Do we have a previous order?
• What specific tasks are associated with this mission?

Question 6

What should the process of analyzing solutions include?

Answer 6

• Developing criteria for comparing options, such as time, cost, resources, facilities, external approvals needed, and risk assessments
• Listing the pros and cons of each option
• Preparing a briefing to present your findings and make recommendations to the commander on what you feel is the best solution
• Scheduling a time to brief the commander

Question 7

What are the steps to developing the plan?

Answer 7

• Visualize the event
• Develop a milestone chart/list (things you must do to accomplish the mission)
• Develop a Flow Map (the sequence in which these actions must take place)
• Develop a resource list (all the physical things you need to accomplish the mission)
• Issue preliminary guidance to subordinates to give them maximum preparation time
• Begin coordination (internal/external)
• Remember to use SMART goals when assigning responsibilities to cadet leaders

Question 8

What should a written MOI include?

Answer 8

• Mission statement
• Situation
• Concept of the Operation
• Tasks to staff and subordinates
• Coordinating instructions
• Supply and logistics
• Annexes

Question 9

What questions should staff be able to answer?

Answer 9

S1: What are the personnel requirements? Awards?
S2: What are the physical security considerations?
S3: Which units will you task to do what?
S4: What are the resource requirements, what do we need, and do we have what we need?
S5: What are the publicity requirements and who needs to know about it?
CSM: How will this impact the moral of the Cadets?

Question 9

What other things should you do when implementing the plan?

Answer 9

• Develop a briefing with concept, timelines, and stuff for a presentation.
• Present the briefing to key cadet leaders.
• Execute/supervise/evaluate; basically get it done and then ask questions.
• Take notes throughout to be able to judge the performance later.
• Make sure all equipment is accounted for before, during, and after.

Question 10

What should an AAR address?

Answer 10

• What was our mission?
• Did we accomplish our mission?
• Sustain: What went really well?
• Improve: What went wrong and how can we prevent this from going wrong again?
• Tie up loose ends (awards, JUMS, thank you notes, etc.)