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

Planning
• What sequence of actions is most likely to attain these conditions (ways)? The sequence of
actions, to include phasing, is described in the concept of operations.
• What resources are required, and how can they be applied to accomplish that sequence of actions
(means)? The application of resources throughout the operation is addressed in the concept of
operations, the warfighting function schemes of support (for example, the scheme of protection
and scheme of sustainment), tasks to subordinate units, and task organization.
• What risks are associated with that sequence of actions, and how can they be mitigated (risks)?
The concept of operations incorporates risk mitigation as does coordinating instructions.
2-88. The unit’s mission statement, commander’s intent, concept of operations, tasks to subordinate units,
coordinating instructions, and control measures are key components of a plan. Commanders ensure their
mission and end state are nested with those of their higher headquarters. Whereas the commander’s intent
focuses on the end state, the concept of operations focuses on the way or sequence of actions by which the
force will achieve the end state. The concept of operations expands on the mission statement and
commander’s intent. It describes how and in what sequence the commander wants the force to accomplish
the mission. Within the concept of operations, commanders may establish objectives as intermediate goals
toward achieving the operation’s end state. When developing tasks for subordinate units, commanders
ensure that the purpose of each task nests with the accomplishment of another task, with the achievement of
an objective, or directly to the attainment of an end state condition.
MISSION STATEMENT
2-89. The mission is the task, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the
reason therefore (JP 1-02). Commanders analyze a mission in terms of the commander’s intent two
echelons up, specified tasks, and implied tasks. They also consider the mission of adjacent units to
understand how they contribute to the decisive operation of their higher headquarters. Results of that
analysis yield the essential tasks that—with the purpose of the operation—clearly specify the action
required. This analysis produces the unit’s mission statement—a clear statement of the action to be taken
and the reason for doing so. The mission statement contains the elements of who, what, when, where, and
why, but seldom specifies how. The format for writing a task to subordinate units also follows this format.
See appendix B for detailed instructions for writing mission and task statements as part of the MDMP.
COMMANDER’S INTENT
2-90. The commander’s intent is a clear, concise statement of what the force must do and the conditions
the force must establish with respect to the enemy, terrain, and civil considerations that represent the
desired end state (FM 3-0). The commander’s intent succinctly describes what constitutes success for the
operation. It includes the operation’s purpose and the conditions that define the end state. It links the
mission, concept of operations, and tasks to subordinate units. A clear commander’s intent facilitates a
shared understanding and focuses on the overall conditions that represent mission accomplishment. During
planning, the initial commander’s intent summarizes the commander’s visualization and is used to develop
and refine courses of action. During execution, the commander’s intent spurs individual initiative.
2-91. The commander’s intent must be easy to remember and clearly understandable two echelons down.
The shorter the commander’s intent, the better it serves these purposes. Typically, the commander’s intent
statement is three to five sentences long.
CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
2-92. The concept of operations is a statement that directs the manner in which subordinate units cooperate
to accomplish the mission and establishes the sequence of actions the force will use to achieve the end
state. It is normally expressed in terms of decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations (FM 3-0). The
concept of operations expands on the mission statement and commander’s intent by describing how and in
what sequence the commander wants the force to accomplish the mission.
2-93. Commanders ensure they identify the decisive operation and units responsible for conducting the
decisive operation. From this focal point, commanders articulate shaping operations and the principal task
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 2-15