Operational Framework
1.Area of Operations
2. Deep, Close, rear, support
3. Decisive, Shaping, Supporting Ops
4. Main Effort & Supporting Effort
Elements of Combat Power
- Leadership
- Information
- Intelligence
- Fires
- Movement and Maneuver
- Sustainment
- Command and Control
- Protection
On Order vs Be Prepared To
- On-order mission: a mission to be executed at an unspecified time. A unit with an
on-order mission is a committed force. - Be-prepared mission: a mission assigned to a unit that might be executed.
Commanders plan a be-prepared mission after any on-order mission.
War Gaming Methods
Belt, Box , Avenue in depth
Specified, Implied, & Essential Tasks
- Specified tasks are specifically assigned by the higher HQ.
- Implied tasks must be performed to accomplish a specified task or mission but
are not stated in the higher HQ’s order. Implied tasks become specified to your
subordinates. - Essential tasks are those that must be executed to accomplish the mission and
always appear in the mission statement.
How Many SIE Tasks
No limit to specified or implied tasks. Only one
essential task, the “what” of the mission statement. There could possibly be two if
there is a sequel mission, listed as an “on-order” task in the mission statement.
Steps of MDMP
- Receipt of Mission
- Mission Analysis
- COA Development
- COA Analysis
- COA Comparison
- COA Approval
- Orders Production, Dissemination, and Transition
MDMP Step 1: Inputs, Substeps, Outputs
MDMP Step 2: Inputs, Substeps, Outputs
MDMP Step 3: Inputs, Substeps, Outputs
MDMP Step 4: Inputs, Substeps, Output
MDMP Step 5: Inputs, Substeps, Output
MDMP Step 6: Inputs, Substeps, Output
MDMP Step 7: Inputs, Substeps, Output
COA Screening Criteria
Feasible: Doable time, resources etc.
Acceptable: Risk vs Advantage
Suitable: Meets CDR’s Intent
Distinguishable
Complete
COA DEV
Force Ratio Planning
Assess relative combat power
Array Forces
Wargame
Action, Reaction, Counter Action
COA DEV Echelon’s Arrayed
Two Levels Down
Constraint
A constraint is a
restriction placed on the command by a higher command or Constraints could also be based on resource limitations in the command, information release
restrictions, or legal constraints
Threat Temp
Threat templates graphically portray how the threat might use its capabilities to perform the functions
required to accomplish its objectives when not constrained by the effects of the OE.
(How the Doctrinally Fight)
SIT TEMP
situation template is a depiction of assumed adversary dispositions, based on that adversary’s
preferred method of operations and the impact of the operational environment if the adversary should adopt
a particular course of action (JP 2-01.3).
Event Temp
An event template is a guide for collection planning that depicts the named areas of interest where
activity, or its lack of activity, will indicate which course of action the adversary has adopted (Time Phase Lines, NAIs, Threat Decision Points)
Shaping Operation
shaping operation is an operation at any echelon that creates and preserves conditions for
success of the decisive operation through effects on the enemy, other actors, and the terrain.
