Planning

Abstract

The quality of an operational plan is determined by three main criteria: compatibility, feasibility, and operational cost. The compatibility criterion examines if the proposed plan properly addresses the campaign objectives, that is, if the expected of a successful execution of the plan is consistent with the operational objectives. The feasibility criterion estimates the chances that the operation will be carried out as planned, given operational and environmental constraints, and battlefield uncertainty. Through the third criterion – operational cost – the campaign planners assess the specific risks, and associated costs in personnel and equipment involved in carrying out the plan. Of particular importance is the cost of failure to attain the campaign objectives.