Arranging Operations / Forces and Functions

1. Arranging Operations / Forces and Functions • Elements of operational design • Termination • • Military end state • • Objective • • Effects • • Center of gravity • • Decisive point • • Lines of operations and lines of effort • Direct and indirect approach • • Anticipation • • Operational reach • • Culmination • • Arranging operations • • Force and functions Arranging Operations is the arrangement of joint force and component operations to conduct the assigned tasks and joint force mission. This arrangement often will be a combination of simultaneous and sequential operations to reach the end state conditions with the least cost in personnel and other resources. Forces and Functions is the design of campaigns and operations that focus on defeating either adversary forces, functions, or a combination of both. Forces and Functions Typically, JFCs structure operations to attack both adversary forces and functions concurrently to create the greatest possible friction between friendly and adversary forces and capabilities. JP 5-0, III-38 JFCs can focus on destroying and disrupting critical adversary functions such as C2, sustainment, and protection. Attack of an adversary’s functions normally is intended to destroy the adversary’s balance, thereby creating vulnerabilities to be exploited. The direct effect of destroying or disrupting critical adversary functions can create the indirect effects of uncertainty, confusion, and even panic in adversary leadership and forces and may contribute directly to the collapse of adversary capability and will. When assessing whether functional attack should be the principal operational approach, JFCs should evaluate several variables, such as time required to cripple the adversary’s critical functions, time available to the JFC, the adversary’s current actions, and likely responses to such actions. JP 5-0, III-38 Arranging Operations Commanders must determine the best arrangement of joint force and component operations to conduct the assigned tasks and joint force mission. Commanders consider a variety of factors when determining this arrangement, including geography of the OA, available strategic lift, changes in command structure, force protection, distribution and sustainment capabilities, adversary reinforcement capabilities, and public opinion. Thinking about the best arrangement helps determine the tempo of activities in time, space, and purpose. Planners should consider factors such as simultaneity, depth, timing, and tempo when arranging operations. JP 5-0, III-35 By arranging operations and activities into phases, the JFC can better integrate and synchronize subordinate operations in time, space, and purpose. Each phase should represent a natural subdivision of the campaign/operation’s intermediate objectives. JP 3-0, V-6 Examples Arranging Operations: Soviet defeat of Germans in the East during WWII, Persian Gulf War Forces and Functions: Moltke in the Franco-Prussian War, OIF’s ‘Shock and Awe’ Army leaders strike enemy forces throughout their depth by arranging activities across the entire operational framework to achieve the most decisive result. ADP 3-0, 8