FM 5-0, The Operations Process - Federation of American Scientists

Appendix J
Military Briefings
This appendix describes the four types of military briefings presented to
commanders, staffs, or other audiences. It also describes steps of the military
briefings.
TYPES OF MILITARY BRIEFINGS
J-1.
The Army uses four types of briefings: information, decision, mission, and staff.
INFORMATION BRIEFING
J-2. An information briefing presents facts in a form the audience can easily understand. It does not
include conclusions or recommendations nor does it result in decisions. (See figure J-1.)
1. Introduction
• Greeting. Address the audience. Identify yourself and your organization.
• Type and Classification of Briefing. Identify the type and classification of the briefing. For
example, “This is an information briefing. It is classified SECRET.”
• Purpose and Scope. Describe complex subjects from general to specific.
• Outline or Procedure. Briefly summarize the key points and general approach. Explain any
special procedures (such as demonstrations, displays, or tours). For example, “During my
briefing, I will discuss the six phases of our plan. I will refer to maps of our area of operations.
Then my assistant will bring out a sand table to show you the expected flow of battle.” The key
points may be placed on a chart that remains visible throughout the briefing.
2. Main Body
• Arrange the main ideas in a logical sequence.
• Use visual aids to emphasize main points.
• Plan effective transitions from one main point to the next.
• Be prepared to answer questions at any time.
3. Closing
• Ask for questions.
• Briefly recap main ideas and make a concluding statement.
Figure J-1. Information briefing format
J-3. Briefers begin an information briefing by greeting the audience, identifying themselves and their
organization, and then providing the classification of the briefing. The briefer states that the purpose of the
briefing is to inform the audience and that no decision is required. The briefer then introduces the subject,
orients the audience to any visual aids, and presents the information. Examples of appropriate topics for
information briefings include—
• High-priority information requiring immediate attention.
• Complex information such as complicated plans, systems, statistics or charts, or other items that
require detailed explanations.
• Controversial information requiring elaboration and explanation.
DECISION BRIEFING
J-4. A decision briefing obtains the answer to a question or a decision on a course of action. The briefer
presents recommended solutions from the analysis or study of a problem or problem area. (Chapter 2
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 J-1