Operational Art

1
Operational ArtOverview of Operational Art
Joint force commanders employ operational art, in
concert with strategic guidance and direction
received from superior leaders, in
developing campaigns and operations
Simultaneity Depth
Synergy
Anticipation
Balance
Leverage
Timing Tempo
Operational Reach Approach
Forces Functions
Arranging Operations
Centers of Gravity
Direct vs. Indirect Approach
Decisive Points
Culmination
Termination
2
Operational ArtSynergy
Synergy involves integrating and synchronizing
operations in a manner that applies force from
different dimensions to shock, disrupt,
and defeat opponents.
JFCs
SEA
SPACE
LAND
Physical Capabilities
SOF
AIR
Will
Morale
ENEMY
ENEMY DEFENSES
SOFSpecial Operations Forces
3
Operational ArtSimultaneity and Depth
The intent of simultaneity and depth is to bring
force to bear on the opponents entire structure
in a near simultaneous manner that is within the
decision making cycle of the opponent. The goal
is to overwhelm and cripple enemy capabilities
and will to resist.
Strategic Level
Combatant Commander
Operational Level
Subordinate Joint Force Commanders
Tactical Level
ENEMY DEFENSE STRUCTURE
ENEMY DEFENSE STRUCTURE
Will To Fight
Capabilities
Decision Cycle
Resources
4
Operational ArtAnticipation
Anticipation is the key to effective planning.
JFCs should remain alert for the unexpected and
for opportunities to exploit the situation.
JFCs
Situational Awareness
IPB
Intelligence
Intelligence
Evaluation
Response
!?
PRIMARY OFFENSIVE
Unexpected Development
5
Operational Art Balance
Balance is the maintenance of the force, its
capabilities, and its operations in such a manner
as to contribute to freedom of action and
responsiveness. It refers to the appropriate mix
of forces and capabilities within the joint force
as well as the nature and timing of operations
conducted to disrupt an enemys balance.
JFCs
ENEMYS BALANCE
Special Operations
Manipulation of Electromagnetic Spectrum
Confuse Demoralize Destroy
Deception
Interdiction
Direct Attack of Strategic Centers of Gravity
Maneuver
6
Operational Art Leverage
Leverage is gaining, maintaining, and exploiting
advantages in combat power across all dimensions.
Leverage allows joint force commanders to impose
their will on the enemy, increase the enemys
dilemma, and maintain the initiative.
Isolation of the Enemy
Attack Strategic Centers of Gravity
Dimensional Superiority
ENEMY
JFCs Leverage
7
Operational ArtTiming and Tempo
The joint force should conduct operations at a
tempo and time that best exploits friendly
capabilities and inhibits the enemy. With proper
timing JFCs can dominate the action, remain
unpredictable, and operate beyond the enemys
ability to react.
AIR
LAND
SEA
SOF
0600 0700 0800 0900 1000 1100 1200 1300
TIME
TEMPO
Primary Target
Secondary Target
8
Operational ArtOperational Reach and Approach
Operational reach is the distance over which
military power can be concentrated and employed
decisively. Operational approach may be defined
as the lines of operation.
Improves transportation availability
and effectiveness of lines of communications
MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE REACH
Increased range of weapons systems
FORWARD BASE
MAIN BASE
FORWARD BASE
TARGET OBJECTIVE
FORWARD BASE
9
Operational ArtForces and Functions
Commanders and planners can design campaigns and
operations that focus on defeating either enemy
forces or functions, or a combination of both.
Typically, JFCs structure operations to attack
both concurrently.
JFCs
AIR
LAND
SEA
SPACE
SOF
Enemy Command Control
Enemy Resupply
Enemy Air Defense
Uncertainty
Confusion
Panic
10
Operational ArtArranging Operations
JFCs must determine the best arrangement of major
operations. This arrangement will often be a
combination of simultaneous and sequential
operations to achieve the desired end state and
conditions quickly at the least cost in personnel
and other resources.
Simultaneous Operations
Land
Sea
JFCs Factors for Consideration
Air
SOF
OBJECTIVE
Geography Available Strategic Lift Changes in
Command Structure Logistic Buildup
Consumption Rates Enemy Reinforcement
Capabilities Public Opinion
Forces Resources Time
Sequential Operations
CAMPAIGN PHASING CONSIDERATIONS Prehostilities Lod
gment Combat Stabilization Follow-through Postho
stilities
Phase Four
Phase One
TEMPO
Phase Two
Phase Three
TIME
11
Operational ArtCenters of Gravity
Centers of gravity (COGs) are those
characteristics, capabilities, or locations from
which a military force derives its freedom of
action, physical strength, or will to fight.
JOINT FORCES
CONUS
LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS
E N E M Y
E N E M Y
DEVELOPING COG?
LOC
SECONDARY COG
PRIMARY COG
SUPPLY
PSYCHOLOGICAL COG
MORALE COG
FRIENDLY COG
FRIENDLY COG
12
Operational ArtDirect Vs. Indirect
To the extent possible, JFCs attack enemy
centers of gravity directly. Where direct attack
means attacking into an opponents strength, JFCs
should seek an indirect approach.
DIRECT
JOINT FORCES
INDIRECT
PRIMARY CENTER OF GRAVITY
DEFENSIVE CAPABILITY
COMMAND CONTROL
LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS
13
Operational Art Decisive Points
Decisive points are usually geographic in nature.
While they are not centers of gravity, they are
keys to attacking protected centers of gravity.
Decisive Point
Decisive Point
Protected COG
Decisive Point
14
Operational ArtCulmination
Culmination in time and space has both an
offensive and a defensive application.
Offensively, it is the point at which the
attackers combat power no longer exceeds that of
the defender. Defensively, it is when the
defending force can no longer go on the
counteroffensive or defend successfully.
OFFENSE
OFFENSIVE
Initial Offensive Force
CULMINATION
DEFENSE
DEFENSIVE CULMINATION
15
Operational ArtTermination
Before forces are committed, the joint force
commanders must know how the NCA intend to
terminate the operation and ensure that its
outcomes endure, and then determine how to
implement that strategic design at the
operational level.
Control Over the Enemy
Secure Terms Favorable to US
Underlying Cause of War
Attainment of Strategic Ends
Termination of Hostilities
Resolution of Conflict
End of Combat Operations
Achieve and Sustain Political Objectives
Humanitarian Assistance
Postconflict Activities
Leverage to Prevent Renewed Activities
Redeploy Forces
16
Operational ArtConclusion