Operations. Action will remove the doubt that theory cannot solve ~Tehyi Hsieh The “Art of War” is the application of the science! 16.

Operations

Action will remove the doubt that theory cannot solve ~Tehyi Hsieh

The “Art of War” is theapplication of the science!

16

A fundamental, but sometimes complex prerequisite for any commander to achieve success

Operational Design — the tool for translating operational requirements into tactical guidance

Five elements involved:♦ Mission, enemy (obstacles) terrain and weather,

troops and support available, and time availableA first step in gaining true situational awareness

Operational AnalysisOperational Analysis

METT T

15

A clear, concise statement of what is to be done and for what purpose

Provides the basis for which all planning must necessarily follow and from which the essential tasks are derived

Will require prioritization of multiple objectives, including “enabling objectives”

MissionMission

METT T

14

Identifies the threat

While many law enforcement operations involve an adversary (enemy), they are just as likely to encounter tactical operations responding to floods, fires, earthquakes, haz-mat spills, and the like

Identifies whatever needs to be defeated, removed, circumvented, or surmounted to succeed

SWOT Analysis — Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Enemy (Obstacles)Enemy (Obstacles)

METT T

13

Both terrain and weather will impact operations, most commonly as either

♦ Trafficability♦ Visibility

Terrain Analysis ♦ KOCOA

Weather♦ Precipitation, sunrise, sunset, moon rise, moon set, percent illumination,

winds, humidity, and the like can all affect operations

Terrain & WeatherTerrain & Weather

METT T

12

Most critical step to estimate effectiveness, efficiency and sustainment

Numbers and types of troops available♦ Capabilities and location of each type of unit

Custody, traffic, detectives, patrol, SWAT, bomb disposal, canine, air support, heavy transport, etc.

♦ Square pegs in square holes, round pegs in round holes

Troops are always consumers♦ Food, water, batteries, ammunition, etc.♦ Pilots are worthless without aircraft, trucks and buses are

worthless without fuel

Troops & Support AvailableTroops & Support Available

METT T

11

The time available and time required may be incompatible

Harsh time constraints always favor training!

Time always imposes prioritization requirements♦ You can not have or do everything at once

Missions, tasks and assignments may be:♦ Time driven♦ Resource driven

TimeTime

METT T

10

Leadership♦ Direction of People

Management– Implies the ability to effectively direct,

administer or carry on business “Thing” oriented (Project, Program, etc.) Process rather than event

Command– The “ruthless” application of power

“Object” oriented (Get it done!) Tends to be more of an event than a

process

Management vs Command

METT T

9

Command♦ The Formal Exercise of Absolute Authority♦ Authority bestowed by a commander’s position in the

organizationControl

♦ Influence exerted by: Personal Expertise Personal Persuasion Charisma

Command vs Control8

Joint Command• Default Mode• Mutual Aid is provided to

requesting agency• Command falls to agency with

jurisdiction and responsibility

Home Visitor

Unified Command• Requires an agreement• Often happens when the aid

provided greatly exceeds the supported agency’s assets

• Command is shared inside a single command module

Command Relationships

Home Visitor

7

General Support• Default Mode• C2 remains the same• Supporting unit responsible for all

administrative and operational needs

Direct Support• Requires Assignment• C2 reverts to supported unit• Supported unit responsible

for all administrative and operational needs of supporting unit

General

Ops

Direct

LogisticsIntel

HQ

SupportSupport

6

6

Orders are how plans are implemented, coordinated and controlled

Consent may be expressed or implied♦ “Silence is Consent” is the default mode♦ “Expressed Consent” will be required when a

commander desires to make the decision

Two parts to every order♦ What to do — as precisely as practical♦ Why it is necessary— as clearly as possible

OrdersOrders5

Alert Order♦ used to initiate a heightened state of vigilance

or preparation for some actionWarning Order♦ used when it appears certain that some action,

individual or unit will be requiredExecute Order♦ used to implement or carry out some action in

accordance with a planFragmentary (Frag) Order♦ used to modify or rescind any existing order

Four Types of OrdersFour Types of Orders4

Control measures designed to encourage initiative without relinquishing strategic oversight

Decision Point — an event, time or sequence at which further guidance is necessary to proceed

♦ Decision is automatically defaulted to commander or designee

Trip Wire — used to automatically implement a plan, procedure or series of actions within predetermined guidelines

♦ Provides a means to allow complex plans to be developed and briefed and then automatically implemented in the “heat of battle”

Decision Points & Trip WiresDecision Points & Trip Wires3

Area of Operations• Where operations are being

conducted

Area of Influence• Where operations are

planned or capable of being conducted

• Always somewhat subjective

Area of Interest• Areas of concern to an

operation• Do not need to be contiguous

Area of OperationsArea of Operations

Areas of InterestAreas of Interest

Area of InfluenceArea of Influence

Analyzing the “Battlespace”Analyzing the “Battlespace”2

Questions?