Operational Art
The cognitive approach by commanders and staffs to develop strategies, campaigns, and operations to organize and employ military forces by integrating ends, ways, and means.
Three Levels of War
| Level | Focus | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic | Why we fight | National strategy, policy objectives |
| Operational | Campaign design | Operation plans, phasing, sequencing |
| Tactical | How we fight | Unit tactics, engagements |
Elements of Operational Design (JP 5-0)
- Termination criteria
- Military end state
- Objectives
- Effects
- Center of gravity (from Clausewitz_On_War)
- Decisive points
- Lines of operation / lines of effort
- Direct vs. indirect approach
- Anticipation
- Operational reach
- Culmination
- Tempo and phasing