READY FOR TODAY – EVOLVING FOR TOMORROW
Phase 3: Estimate. Within this phase the tactical problem that must be solved and the specific conditions to be achieved have
to be determined, and then Courses of Actions (COAs) have to be developed. The main focus regarding planning at the tactical
level lies within the estimate of the situation, consisting of the following steps: mission analysis; Commander’s planning guidance;
evaluation of factors; and the consideration of COAs. Therefore, it follows logically Phase 3 of the COPD and its terminology as
stated below will be used:
Phase 3A: Mission Analysis. The main outcome of this phase is the development of the Corps contribution to the operational
design. The Corps delivers land tactical actions in support of the LCC, all in support of the joint operations design. This is one of
the key points of the COPD adaptation to the tactical level. HQ ARRC, when acting as a Corps HQ, does not own the operational
design. It allocates tactical activities in space and time and articulates how these activities contribute to the achievement of the
respective Operational Actions (OAs) and Operational Effects (OEs) which in turn lead to the achievement of the desired Decisive
Conditions (DCs). Lethal and non-lethal, military and/or non-military means should always be taken into consideration. At the
Corps level the focus lies therefore, within the detailed planning and applications of scarce forces/capabilities by the Commander
across the geographic (deep, close, rear), tactical/functional (find, fix, strike, exploit) and operational (shaping, decisive, sustaining)
frameworks in order to best achieve the DCs and Operational Objectives (OOs).
Purpose
Understanding of the
problem, operational
environment/ mission
Inputs
LCC WngO/Land Plan
Main Activities
Outputs
• Analysis of higher COM’s intent/
mission
• Specified/ implied tasks
• Factors-CoG analysis
• Limitations-capabilities shortfalls
• Risks/CCIRs/Decision Points/
Assumptions
• Support to LCC Ops Design
• Mission Analysis Brief
• COMARRC’s Intent
• Ops Design contribution
• SOR
• Draft Decision Support Ovelay/
Matrix (DSO/DSOM)
• Draft Sync Matrix
• High Value Target List (HVTL)/ High
Priority Target List (HPTL)
• Initial CCIRs
• WngO to subordinate formations
Phase 3B: COA Development. During the second part of Phase 3 viable COAs are developed, based on the mission and the
results of the mission analysis, from which one will be selected by the commander for further development, refinement and
transformation into a Concept of Operations (CONOPs):
Purpose
Development of COAs
which will then be selected
by COMARRC
Inputs
LCC WngO/Land Plan,
COMARRC’s Intent &
guidance
Main Activities
Outputs
• Develop own COAs
• Analyse COAs
• Compare COAs
• COA DB
• COA selected by the COM
• Required branches and sequels
• WngO to subordinate formations
Phase 4: Plan Development. In this phase the selected COA is transformed into the Corps plan. In line with the COPD this Phase
is split into two parts: Phase 4a, development of Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and Phase 4b, development of the plan.
Phase 4a: CONOPs Development. In this stage the selected COA and the provisional missions of subordinate formations are
reviewed and refined focusing on the details of the CONOPS sections that describe Commander’s Intent, Scheme of Manoeuvre
(SoM), Execution, Coordinating Instructions, Force Protection, Combat Support, Combat Service Support, Command and Control
(C2) structure and signals with a statement of the main effort referring to Corps operations within its AOO (rear, close, deep areas).
The CONOPs may also include possible statements of requirement in terms of need for additional capabilities that are required for
mission accomplishment.
Purpose
Development of CONOPS
Inputs
LCC WngO/Plan
COM’s selected COA
COM’s D&G
Main Activities
Outputs
• Refinement of selected COA
• Development of essential annexes
• Development of illustrative SORs
• CONOPS Back Brief
• Draft CONOPS including illustrative
SOR (submitted to LCC)
Phase 4b: Plan Development. This phase involves the refinement of the CONOPS and its transformation into the Corps plan. It
includes specific adjustments based on the back-briefs by subordinate formations, any changes imposed by the Land Component
Command (LCC), potential additional capabilities provided by the LCC/JFC, refinement of the annexes and submission of the plan
to the LCC HQ for approval. Once the plan is approved, it is handed over from G5 Plans to G35 for further refinement and release
as an Operational Order (OPORD).
In summary, it is clear that the COPD, as the basic reference document for planning process within NATO, can be adapted for use
at the Corps tactical level.
ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS
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