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

Glossary
operational art
(joint) The application of creative imagination by commanders and staffs—supported by their skill,
knowledge, and experience—to design strategies, campaigns, and major operations and organize and
employ military forces. Operational art integrates ends, ways, and means across the levels of war.
(JP 3-0)
operational environment
(joint) A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of
capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander. (JP 3-0)
operational initiative
The setting or dictating the terms of action throughout an operation. (FM 3-0)
operational limitation
(joint) An action required or prohibited by higher authority, such as a constraint or a restraint, and
other restrictions that limit the commander’s freedom of action, such as diplomatic agreements, rules
of engagement, political and economic conditions in affected countries, and host nation issues. (JP 5-0)
order
(joint) A communication, written, oral, or by signal, which conveys instructions from a superior to a
subordinate. (JP 1-02)
*parallel planning
Two or more echelons planning for the same operation nearly simultaneously.
*persistent conflict
The protracted confrontation among state, nonstate, and individual actors that are increasingly willing
to use violence to achieve their political and ideological ends.
phase
(Army) A planning and execution tool used to divide an operation in duration or activity. A change in
phase usually involves a change of mission, task organization, or rules of engagement. Phasing helps in
planning and controlling and may be indicated by time, distance, terrain, or an event. (FM 3-0)
planning
The process by which commanders (and the staff, if available) translate the commander’s visualization
into a specific course of action for preparation and execution, focusing on the expected results.
(FM 3-0)
*planning horizon
A point in time commanders use to focus the organization’s planning efforts to shape future events.
preparation
Activities performed by units to improve their ability to execute an operation. Preparation includes, but
is not limited to, plan refinement; rehearsals; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
coordination; inspections; and movement. (FM 3-0)
*priority of support
A priority set by the commander to ensure a subordinate unit has support in accordance with its
relative importance to accomplish the mission.
*rehearsal
A session in which a staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance during execution.
restraint
(joint) Requirement placed on the command by a higher command that prohibits an action, thus
restricting freedom of action. (JP 5-0)
*running estimate
The continuous assessment of the current situation used to determine if the current operation is
proceeding according to the commander’s intent and if planned future operations are supportable.
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 Glossary-7