ARRC JOURNAL
This indicates that even though the description differs , the tools are employed with the same meaning when used within the respective schematic . Furthermore by having a closer look at the different phases / steps within the planning , we can see that they are used in a very similar manner during the planning process :
Tactical Estimate ( 6 Step ) COPD 8
Step 1 : Understand the situation
Phase 1 : Initial Situational Awareness of a Potential Actual crisis
Step 2 : Understand the Problem Phase 3A : Mission Analysis .
Phase 2 : Operational Appreciation of the Strategic Environment
Step 3 : Formulate and consider COAs Step 4 : Develop and Validate COAs Step 5 : COA Evaluation Step 6 : Commander ’ s Decision
Phase 3B : COA development Phase 4a : Operational Conops Development
Phase 4b : Operational OPLAN Development Phase 5 : Execution Phase 6 : Transition
In summary it can be said that the COPD and the UK TE use similar terminology , apply the terms in an analogous schematic sense and have similarities regarding the different planning steps by also recognising that the meaning of the used terms differs to an extent .
The next section will be clarify whether the COPD is applicable as a tactical planning tool and how the COPD has to be adapted to fit the level of planning .
The COPD as a Tactical Planning Tool
Following HQ ARRC G5 analysis and use of the COPD at the tactical level for Corps level planning , the COPD can be implemented as a tactical planning tool . The entire adaption of the planning process at the Corps level comprises five phases and follows in principle the numbering and the terminology of the COPD as described in detail below 9 :
Phase 1 : Initial Situational Awareness . The purpose of the phase is to achieve and maintain SA of potential future operations in order to prepare the staff for operations planning . This Phase includes monitoring of the situation , information sharing between the higher and adjacent HQs as well as the possible initiation of Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield ( IPB ). Thus during this phase the broader , Comprehensive Preparation of Operational Environment ( CPOE ) was replaced by G2 led IPB .
Purpose Inputs Main Activities Outputs
Support the higher command with the identification of a crisis |
Indications and warnings for an actual or potential crisis |
• Monitor situation
• Information sharing
• Initiation of IPB
• Preparation of the staff
|
Initial appreciation and understanding – Situational Awareness ( SA ) |
Phase 2 : Appreciation of Operational Environment . The original Phase 2 within the COPD is not applicable at the second level of tactical command and is conducted by the Joint Force Command ( JFC ) and the Component Command ( CC ) level ; it is therefore renamed 10 . This phase is modified to provide the commander with an understanding of the situation and the nature of the problem focusing on the tactical aspect of operations . Therefore , it starts with the receipt of a WngO or plan from the LCC HQ and includes the Receipt of Order Brief ( ROOB ), brief-based IPB , the operational PMESII ( Political , Military , Economic , Social , Information , Infrastructure ) domains and mission variables ( Mission , Enemy , Terrain , Troops , Time , Civil ( METT-TC )). The ROOB as one activity of Phase 2 and the Decision Support Overlay ( DSO ) and DSO Matrix ( DSOM ) is an amendment based on the UK SOHB to fit the level of detail of Corps level planning , and is therefore not foreseen within NATO COPD . The output of Phase 2 is ‘ plan the plan ’ and absorb Chief of Staff ’ s ( COS ) initial planning guidance . During this Phase is the determination of the most likely and most dangerous ECOA ( Enemy Course of Action ). These COAs have to be presented to the COS and the COM for confirmation 11 .
Purpose Inputs Main Activities Outputs
Understand the situation and the nature of the problem |
Land Component Command ( LCC ) WngO / Land Plan for the upcoming ops |
• Preparing staff through the Receipt of Orders Brief ( ROOB )
• Analysis of environment / conduct IPB
• IPB brief
• Planning responsibilities & timelines
|
• COM ’ s guidance
• Plan the plan
• WngO to subordinate formations
• Initial HVTL
• Confirmed Most Likely COA / Most Ddangerous COA
• Draft Decision Support Ovelay / Matrix ( DSO / DSOM )
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8 The COPD as the basic document articulates the OPP for the NATO strategic and operational levels . Because of the fact that a comparison is only beneficial on the operational level the term COPD as umbrella term is referring to the Operational level Operations Planning Process ( OPP ).
9 Due to the second level of tactical command planning operations rather than campaigns , Phase 6 is not applicable at Corps / tactical level ( Corps still contributes to / support the joint plan through tactical activities / actions ).
10 Phase 2 : Operational Appreciation of the Strategic Environment is renamed as stated for the need at Corps level planning . 11 After confirmation any change within the MLCOA and MDCOA have to be reapproved and briefed to the CoS and COM due to its major impact on the development of own COAs .
26 ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS