Joint Operation Planning Process

NAVAL WAR COLLEGE
Monterey Program

INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION WITHIN THE JOINT OPERTION PLANNING PROCESS

(Ref: JMO Block-V/JOPP)

By

Jacob M. Prentiss

Lieutenant, USN

A paper submitted to the Faculty of the Naval War College in partial satisfaction of the requirements of the Department of Joint Maritime Operations.

The contents of this paper reflect my own personal views and are not necessarily endorsed by the Naval War College or the Department of the Navy.

Signature: /s/ J. M. Prentiss . Jacob M. Prentiss

Date: 19 MAY 2014

Signature: /s/ D. F. Overton D. F. Overton Associate Professor, JMO
Introduction
While the Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP) is a standardized process
These factors include the geo-political, economical, and the operating environment, of which there are agencies more suited to understand and manipulate them than the DOD is. Therefore, bringing increased planning capabilities to the JOPP, particularly the introductory ‘Planning Initiation’ stage of the process, is necessary if DOD intends to be effective on these fronts. The Joint Publication 5-0 says, “The JFC typically will provide initial planning guidance based upon current understanding of the operational environment, the problem, and the initial operational approach for the campaign or operation” (Mullen, 2011, IV-4). Given the nature of our most recent conflicts, it is probable that we will not face our enemy in a traditional battlefield environment, but more likely that we will achieve success through the non-traditional struggles of controlling the economic and geo-political environments. To do this, IAC will continue to be increasingly important. This concept not only influences the ‘Planning Initiation” phase of the JOPP but will carry over into the “Mission Analysis” step as well. The emphasis of a clear and concise understanding of the operating environment and definition of the problem at hand are primary inputs into this step of the JOPP
Regarding the ‘Planning Initiation’ phase of the JOPP the Joint Publication 5-0 states, “At the strategic level, that authority – the President, SecDef, or CJCS – initiates planning by deciding to develop military options” (Mullen, 2011, IV-2). As the military activates the JOPP, inclusion of all of the national assets, which come in various agencies of government, will increase the capability of military options as they are established. This will lead into a more comprehensive mission analysis that supports the strategic level objectives more appropriately. As the “Mission Analysis” becomes more complete, there is a cascading effect that provides for clearer desired end states and COA development that more efficiently utilizes all of the suitable tools of national power at the Presidents disposal. An important aspect of the “Mission Analysis” step of the JOPP is to ensure that accurate mission success criteria are developed. Increased IAC, through the greater understanding of the operating environment, will facilitate that these mission success criteria are correct and relevant to the situation in which they are