Crisis Action Planning

1. CTF Training Crisis Action Planning CTF Course of Action Development 01 January 2006 UNCLASSIFIED

2. Purpose • Teach techniques and procedures for developing Courses of Action • Will discuss this as • Part of Commander’s Estimate process • How to stay at the operational-level • To ensure Developed COAs are valid

3. MULTINATIONAL FORCE STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES (MNF SOP) Version 1.6 February 2006 References MNF SOP JP 3-0 Doctrine for Joint Operations JP 5-00.2 JTF Planning Guidance & Procedures

4. V Commander’s Decision Crisis Action Planning Process C R I S I S IV Course of Action Selection OPORD III Course of Action Development II Crisis Assessment V Execution Planning I Situation Development VI Execution Deployment Data Base Alert Order Warning Order Planning Order Execute Order AND/OR I Mission Analysis/ Restated Mission II Course of Action Development III Analysis of Opposing Courses of Action IV Comparison of Own Courses of Action Commander’s Estimate Process

5. Key Planning Concepts • To the extent possible, plans should incorporate the following concepts of joint operation planning doctrine • Commander’s strategic intent and operational focus • Orientation on the strategic and operational centers of gravity of the threat • Protection of friendly strategic and operational centers of gravity • Phasing of operations to include the commanders intent for each phase Joint Pub 5-0, II-15

6. Course of Action Development • The COA is a broad statement of possible ways the CTF can accomplish its mission • WHO will accomplish essential tasks • WHAT is the type of mission to be conducted • WHEN the operation must begin or must be completed • WHERE the assigned areas of operation (AOs) within the JOA are • WHY or the purpose of the operations • HOW or the method of conducting the operation using major available resources

7. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

8. Develop Initial COAs • Plan to plan • One or more groups? • One big group? • Big brain technique? • Simultaneous or sequential development? • Brainstorm • Be bold in concept • Be general by component • Be open to new ideas • Be unconstrained

9. Develop Initial COAs Additional Considerations • Review mission analysis/CCTF guidance • Develop plans to integrate the joint environment • Focus on Centers of Gravity and Decisive Points • Identify sequencing and phasing for each COA • Identify main and supporting efforts • Identify component level missions/tasks • Develop IO/IW support items • Develop initial COA sketches and statements

10. Develop Initial COAs What to Avoid Nested COAs COA 1 COA 2 COA 3 COA 2 includes all of COA 1 COA 3 includes all of COAs 1 & 2

11. More Pitfalls - The Intended COA - The Clone of the Intended COA - The Throw Away PREEMPTING THE COMMANDER’S RESPONSIBILITY IN THE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS ...

12. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

13. Test the Validity of Each COA • Test for suitability • Test for feasibility • Test for acceptability • Ensure COAs are distinct (variety) • Test for completeness

14. Suitable • Does it accomplish the mission? • Does it meet the Combatant Commander’s and CCTF’s intent? • Does it accomplish all the essential tasks? • Does it allow the CTF to meet the conditions for the end state? • Does it take into consideration the enemy and friendly centers of gravity?

15. Feasible • Does the CTF have the required resources to carry out the COA and accomplish the mission? • Will those resources be available in the JOA in time? • Forces/Capability • Transportation • Resupply • Facilities • Can the COA be carried out within the physical environment’s constraints?

16. Acceptable • Does it contain unacceptable risks? • Does it take into account the limitations placed on the CTF? • Does it contribute to the higher commander’s strategic objectives? • Can it be accomplished within external constraints, particularly ROE? • Can it be accomplished against each enemy capability?

17. Distinguishable/Variety • Are the COAs significantly different... • From CTF Commander’s perspective? • From the Combatant Commander’s perspective? • From the POTUS/SECDEF perspective? • COAs can be different when considering... • Focus or direction of main effort • Scheme of maneuver (land, air, maritime, special ops) • Primary mechanism for mission accomplishment • Task Organization • Use of reserves

18. Complete • Are the COAs technically complete? Do the COAs adequately answer... • WHO will execute it? • WHAT type of action is contemplated? • WHEN will it begin? • WHERE will it take place? • WHY key actions are required? • HOW will it be accomplished?

19. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

20. Determine C2 Means • Determine command relationships • Operational Control (OPCON) • Tactical Control (TACON) • Support (General, Mutual, Direct, Close) • Others (Administrative control, Coordinating authority, Direct liaison) • Organizational options • Service components • Functional components • Subordinate CTFs • Combination of the above • Determine control measures

21. CTF Organizational Structure Examples CCTF NATIONAL C2 STRUCTURE “X” FORCES “Y” FORCES COALITION – AD HOC COMBINED – ALLIANCE, TREATY OR OTHER FORMAL AGREEMENT CCTF FUNCTIONAL C2 STRUCTURE CNAVFOR CARFOR CAFFOR CMARFOR CSOTF CPOTF Historically, national component structure has been used in coalition operations, and functional component structure in allied operations

22. Example: Command & Control Structure CCTF HQ STAFF* PUERTO PRINCESA/CEBU NDCC WESCOM VISCOM SOUTHCOM CTG A CEBU CTG B CAGAYAN DE ORO CFACC CLARK/CEBU CFMCC USS ESSEX/CEBU • AFP • USA/USMC • UK/NZ/CAN/AUS • ROK • CSOTF/POTF • AFP • FI • MAL • SING • TH • BD • MADAGASCAR • CPOTF/CSOTF • KC-135 • C-17/C-141/C-5 • K/C-130 • ESSEX ARG/MEU • ROKN TF • AUS LSH • UK FF • RPN TF 80 • MALAYSIAN LST COORD SUPPORTING *INCLUDES BOARDS, BUREAUS, CELLS: HA/DR COORD BOARD, ATO CHAIR, MTO (MARITIME), INFO OPS, ENGR COORD BOARD, MED SPT COORD BOARD LOG SPT COORD BOARD, CIB

23. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

24. Prepare COA • COA statement answers WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW, WHY • Develop COA sketch • Task organize the force • Initial organization

25. DEPLOYMENT SHAPING DECISIVE OPS TRANSITION Halt, Protect & Defend Eject & Eliminate Protect/Defend Guppie/Nessie/SLOCs Eliminate Piranha Ability to Proj Pwr Turn over to HN Forces Freedom of Navigation MARITIME Superiority Initiate IO Campaign AIR Superiority Establish FOB HA - Saipan/Tin HA Turnover EPW MGMT Seize Saipan IDP MGMT Seize Tinian Redeploy BPT NEO BPT MIO BPT CM HA Coord CFLCC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X CFMCC X X X X X X X X X X X X CFACC X X X X X X X X X X X X CSOTF X X X X X X X CPOTF X X CMOTF X X X X X X CCTF X X X X X - Phase Main Effort/Task Supported Commander - Task Supported Commander - Task Supporting Commander Example Phasing/Task Distribution

26. BLUE RIDGE CCTF CFACC FOB ISR/AR RRF CVOA 1 L SAG CSOTF CPOTF CMOTF AEF(-) This phase starts with execute orders from Supported Strategic Cdr. The purpose is immediately deploy forces, establish lodgment and gain SA. The main effort is for CFLCC to establish FOB on Guppie. This phase ends when 1 CVBG and 1 AEF(-) are present, and FOBs are established. FOB TROPICAL LIGHTNING ARG Example Sketch PHASE I: Deployment (C+0 TO C+7) TASKS CCTF: Initiate IO, RSOI CFLCC (ME): RRF Deploys, est FOB CFACC: Deploy, BPT NEO, Initiate operations to establish Air and Maritime Superiority CFMCC: Deploy, Initiate operations to establish Air and Maritime Superiority, BPT NEO CSOTF: Deploy, Est HQ, SR w/in OA CPOTF: Begin PSYOP CMOTF: Coord w/ NGO/IO/HN, Est CMOC

27. X Example Sketch PHASE THREE: Decisive Action MARFOR: O/O conduct offensive operations to secure northern approaches to City T ARFOR: Deploy ACR to forward AA. O/O conduct offensive operations to clear central and southern approaches. Air Aslt/Abn Bde est. opnl reserve and rear area defense. AFFOR: Maintain air superiority. Conduct AI and strat atk operations. NAVFOR: No change JSOTF: No change XX City T City G C+31 to C+60 This phase completes the introduction of combat forces (Phase II) and begins offensive operations to evict all aggressors from the sovereign territory of Blueland. Operations will be conducted along two axes. Phase is complete upon restoration of territorial integrity of Blueland.

28. Task Steps Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Course of Action Development Vertical & Horizontal Planning

29. Brief COAs to CCTF (Sample Format) • C2 • Updated CIPB • Enemy COAs • Most likely • Most dangerous • CPG • Updated facts and assumptions • Review Higher Mission and Intent • Review CTF Mission and Intent

30. Brief COAs to CCTF • CPG • COA statements (tasks) and sketches • Command and Control recommendations • Summary of each COA • Rationale for each COA • Risks associated with each COA • Summarize/emphasize distinction among COAs • Others (C1/C4/C6) • Updated facts and assumption, if available • CPG • Recommended COAs in priority for wargaming

31. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

32. CCTF Approves COAs • Commander’s options • Approve COAs for further analysis • Direct revisions to COAs • Combinations of COAs • Additional COAs

33. Task Steps Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Course of Action Development Vertical & Horizontal Planning

34. Conduct Initial Staff Estimates • Each staff element addresses each COA from its own perspective • Staff prepares for COA analysis, COA comparison, and COA recommendation and selection

35. Develop Initial COAs Initial Test for Validity Determine C2 Means COA Statement & Sketch Brief COAs to CCTF CCTF Approves COAs Staff Estimates Vertical & Horizontal Planning Task Steps Course of Action Development

36. Conduct Concurrent Planning • Discuss (vertical and horizontal) planning status with counterparts, higher and lower • Coordinate planning with staff counterparts from other functional areas • Permits adjustments in planning

37. COA Development Planning Cells Develop Essential Tasks Integrate & Synchronize Essential Tasks Determine Operational Phasing Identify Sequencing Brainstorm Initial COAs Example: I. Pre-hostilities II. Lodgment III. Decisive combat IV. Follow Through V. Post-Hostilities & Redeploy • Focus on COG&decisive • points • Use joint architecture • Maneuver • Fires • C2 • Force protection • Support • Simultaneous • Sequential • Combination • Who • What • When • Where • How • Land • Maritime • Air • Space • Special Ops Identify Main and Supporting Effort Develop IO/IW Support Identify Component Level Mission/Tasks Initial COA Sketches • Phase • Purpose • Key supporting/ • Supported relationships Determine Command Relationships 1. Who will execute (type of forces)? 2. What type of action or major tasks are contemplated? 3. Where will tasks occur? 4. When will tasks begin? 5. How? Don’t usurp CTF/Component prerogative. 6. Why - For what purpose will each force conduct its part of the operation? Test Validity Refine Battlespace • Suitability • Feasibility • Acceptability • Variety • Completeness Conduct Lift Analysis COA Analysis

38. Summary of COA Development, Analysis, Comparison & Selection Staff Estimates + COA Deployment Considerations COA Development Component Input • Review tasks, guidance, intent, and mission • Brainstorm • Test draft COAs • Determine C2 • Prepare COA statement and sketch • Brief HHQ • Staff estimates are ongoing • Enter deployment requirements into JOPES database • Identify infrastructure • Conduct Gross Transportation • Feasibility Estimate • Sequencing of forces • Develop movement C2 architecture Mission and Tasks • Statements, sketches & • task organization • Warning Order • Evaluation Request Message Commander’s Guidance COA Analysis • Advantages & disadvantages • Wargame record • Staff estimate updates Updated Staff Estimates Commander’s Own Analysis & Comparison • Gather tools, material, and data • List assumptions, critical events, decision points • Select wargame method • Select technique to record and display wargame results • Conduct wargame Component Input COA Selection + COA Deployment Considerations • Evaluated COAs • Staff’s / DHHQ/ Recommended COA COA Comparison • Determine comparison criteria • Construct comparison method • Conduct COA comparison • Determine recommended COA • Receive deployment estimate • Conduct TPFDD refinement • Review recommendations • Review CJCS/NCA guidance • Apply own analysis, judgment, and experience • Select COA / make appropriate modifications • Commander’s Estimate • Warning Order Component Parallel Planning { • Provide Recommended COA • Receive deployment estimate • Conduct TPFDD refinement

39. V Commander’s Decision Crisis Action Planning Process C R I S I S IV Course of Action Selection OPORD III Course of Action Development II Crisis Assessment V Execution Planning I Situation Development VI Execution Deployment Data Base Alert Order Warning Order Planning Order Execute Order AND/OR I Mission Analysis/ Restated Mission II Course of Action Development III Analysis of Opposing Courses of Action IV Comparison of Own Courses of Action Commander’s Estimate Process

40. CTF Training Questions? Enhancing Multinational Operations UNCLASSIFIED