ARRC JOURNAL
Comparison of Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive ( COPD ), UK Tactical Estimate ( TE ) and COPD ( adapted at Tactical Level ) and Benefits
A comparison of the COPD ( strategic , operational level ) with the UK TE and the tactical adaptation of the COPD must focus on the benefits derived from each process and take into account additional observations which were made during the Crisis Response Planning ( CRP ) within HQ ARRC operating at Corps level . The table below compares the different processes and illustrates the coherence between the UK TE and the COPD on the different levels of planning ( the colours depict the similarities within the UK TE- COPD and adapted COPD ):
COPD ( Operational Level ) UK TACTICAL ESTIMATE ( 6 STEPS ) COPD ( ADAPTED AT TAC LEVEL )
Phase 1 . Initial Situational Awareness
Purpose : Assist NATO with identification of crisis and support SACEUR in OPP activities of phase 1 Activities : Appreciation of indications - initiation of Comprehensive Preparation of Env ( CPOE ) - development of initial understanding . Output : Initial appreciation & understanding , appropriate preparation / COM ’ s directions
Phase 2 . Operational Appreciation of Strategic Environment
Purpose : Understand the situation , the nature of the problem & advise on draft MROs Activities : CPOE – COM ’ s brief on SSA / Strategic documents - COM ’ s guidance for MROs – evaluation of MROs – conclusions-COM ’ s approval Output : Appreciation of aspects of crisis , advise on draft MROs & WngO to CCs .
Phase 3 . Operational Estimate
Purpose : Understand the problem , operational environment and mission & develop COAs which one will be selected 3a . Mission Analysis
Activities : CPOE brief- mission analysis ( higher COM ’ s mission / intent , implied / specified tasks , factor analysis , CoGs , limitations , initial Risks / CCIRs / DPs / Assumptions , COM ’ s initial intent , operational design )– MAB Output : Ops design ( operational framework – COM ’ s intent ) - SOR & COM ’ s guidance for COA development – WngO & Operational Planning Guidance to Component Commands
3b . COA Development Activities : Develop own COAs – Analyze COAs – Compare COAs - COA Decision Brief
Develop own COAs :
Activities : Analyze opposing COAs & factors influencing COA development – Own COAs ( IPG forms teams to brainstorm possible COAs )/ troops to action analysis ( required capabilities ) Output : COM ’ s guidance for COAs
Analyze COAs
Analyze / test COAs viability – wargaming / results – synchronize COAs Output : Identification of advantages / disadvantages and determination of key aspects for evaluation ( DPs , DCs , HVTL , risks , branches / sequels )
Compare COAs :
Compare COAs by comparing advantages / disadvantages , by comparing against opposing COAs , by selected criteria . Output : Evaluation of COA enabling recommendation
STEP 1 . Understanding the operating environment
Purpose : Develop a broad / thorough understanding of the character and nature of the operating environment and the problems that are likely to be faced . Activities : Inform staff ( initial ROOB ) - staff preparation , analysis of operational environment - determine staff responsibilities / timelines - ROOB and crossbrief Output : COM ’ s direction & WngO to subordinates
STEP 2 . Understand the Problem
Purpose : COM ’ s focus on the complexities of the problem Activities : Mission Analysis ( higher COM ’ s intent , specified / implied tasks , freedoms / constraints , course of situation , risks ) – evaluate object and factors- COM ’ s confirmation & outbrief ( MAB confirmation ) Output : Effects Schematic-COM ’ s Intent & COM ’ s guidance for COA development – WngO to subordinates
STEP 3 . Formulate Potential COAs
Purpose : COM ’ s focus on devising COAs to reach successful outcome ( COS break staff into teams to examine different COAs ) Activities : Define successful outcome – generate COAs – Consider deception / OPSEC Output : COA Summary Sheet presented to the COM
STEP 4 . Develop and Validate COAs
Purpose : Detailed development of COAs validating them against a number of criteria . Activities : Develop COAs – risk management matrix , HVTL , DSO , DSOM , Sync matrix for each COA – validate COAs – Outbrief Output : COM ’ s brief of validated COAs for direction
STEP 5 . COA Evaluation
Purpose : Evaluation of COA Activities : Evaluate each COA against selected criteria – Evaluate each COA by wargaming – Evaluate by OA – Results of evaluation – Brief COM Output : Brief the COM on the results of evaluation
Phase 1 . Initial Situational Awareness
Purpose : Support higher command with the identification of a crisis Activities : Monitor situation , information sharing and prepare staff . Output : Initial appreciation & understanding - ( SA )
Phase 2 . Appreciation of Operational Environment
Purpose : Understand the situation , the nature of the problem Activities : Inform staff of the receipt of orders ( ROOB ) – analysis of environment / conduct IPB / E- timelines ( plan the plan ) – IPB / E brief ( instead of CPOE brief ) of planning process and develop an understanding of the situation / nature of the operation Output : COM ’ s direction & WngO to subordinates .
Phase 3 . Estimate
Purpose : Understanding of problem , operations environment / mission , development of COAs which one will be selected 3a . Mission Analysis
Activities : Analysis higher COM ’ s intent / missionspecified / implied tasks-factor analysis-CoG-limitationscapabilities shortfalls- risks / CCIRs / DPs / Assumptions- COM ’ s intent-ops design -MAB Output : Ops Design ( tactical ops framework & COM ’ s intent ) – SOR - & COM ’ s guidance for COA development – WngO to subordinates
3b . COA Development Activities : Develop own COAs – Analyze COAs – Compare COAs - COA DB
Develop own COAs :
Activities : Analyze opposing COAs & factors influencing COA development – Own COAs ( IPG forms teams to brainstorm possible COAs )/ troops to action analysis ( required capabilities ) Output : COM ’ s guidance for COAs
Analyze COAs :
Analyze / test COAs viability – risk evaluation – wargaming / results – synchronize COAs ( Sync Matrix ) Output : Identification of advantages / disadvantages for each COA determination of key aspects for evaluation
Compare COAs :
Compare COAs by comparing advantages / disadvantages , by comparing against opposing COAs , by selected criteria . Output : Evaluation of COA / recommendation
COA DB
Output : COA selection by COM & Operation Panning Direction to Component Commands
STEP 6 . COM ’ s Decision and Development of Plan
Purpose : COA selection and development of plan Activities : COA Decision Brief – Staff development of plan – orders / rehearsals Output : Tactical Plan
COA DB Output : COA selection by COM & WngO to subordinates
28 ALLIED RAPID REACTION CORPS