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We normally see decision point requirements transcending all three event horizons. Some
decision points in the current operations event horizon may have very specific and time sensitive
information requirements which can be directly answered by CCIR, while those supporting
branch and sequel execution are normally broader, often much more subjective, and answered
through assessment venues. Decision point requirements may also include information
requirements on “DIME” (Diplomatic, Informational, Military, Economic) partner
actions/capabilities and operational environmental “PMESII” (Political, Military, Economic,
Social, Informational, Infrastructure) conditions.
Some examples of branch plan decisions include shift of main effort, change in priority,
refocusing information operations and public affairs messages, reorganization of forces,
command relationship and task organization changes, and reallocation of resources. These
decisions will likely require analysis, and both subjective and objective assessment venues on
areas such as: the adversary’s intent and changing operational environment conditions, DIME
partner, coalition, and host nation capabilities and requests, and target audience perceptions
(using more non-traditional collection means such as polls), to better guide the decisions.
Some sequel plan decision examples include a change in end state, objectives, or termination
criteria, as well as transitions in overall phasing such as moving to a support to civil authority
phase, force rotations, or withdrawal.
These types of decisions will be based
on broader campaign assessments
providing geopolitical, social, and
informational analysis and capabilities
of partner stakeholders, significant
changes in the operational environment,
the problem, or strategic guidance.
Planners often develop decision support
templates (DSTs) to lay out these kinds
of decisions and the associated CCIRs
in more detail. DSTs helps link CCIRs
(and assessment) to the decisions they
support. The above figure depicts some
of the information provided to the
commander to gain his guidance and approval. These DSTs also help provide the clarity for
collection and analysis resources to focus effort and information flow.
Integration of Lethal and Nonlethal Actions. We have seen as a best practice that commanders
and planners integrate lethal and nonlethal actions up front as a fundamental part of the overall
design and planning processes rather than “adding on” nonlethal actions at the end. Integrating
lethal and nonlethal actions is not an intuitive process.
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We find that planning guidance,
commander’s intent, and the operational framework provide the necessary up-front direction for
the coherent integration of lethal and nonlethal actions at the operational level while
appropriately leaving synchronization of detailed execution to subordinate tactical units.
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This is so important that we devote a focus paper to this topic. See the URL on inside front cover.
Decision Support Templates
DP Decision Criteria
(PIR & FFIR)
Potential Action Time
Sensitivity
Risk
1
2
3
4
5
OPERATIONS
TIME
PH I PH II PH III
OPERATIONS
PH I
PH II PH III
TIME
Branches
Sequels