JP 3-16, Multinational Operations - Defense Technical Information ...

Chapter III
32. Transitions
a. Transitions are critical to multinational operations. In general, transitions fall into
three categories: the orderly turnover of a plan or order as it is passed to those tasked with
execution of the operation (i.e., future operations to current operations); transition between
the various phases of an operation or campaign (such as phase II: seize the initiative to phase
III: dominate); and the transition of authority for the effort from one organization to another
(i.e., JTF to MNF or MNF to IGO/HN).
b. The transition of plans to execution provides information, direction, and guidance
relative to the plan or order that will help to facilitate SA. Additionally, it provides an
understanding of the rationale for key decisions necessary to ensure there is a coherent shift
from planning to execution. These factors coupled together are intended to maintain the
intent of the CONOPS, promote unity of effort, and generate tempo. Successful transition
ensures that those charged with executing an order have a full understanding of the plan.
Regardless of the level of command, such a transition ensures that those who execute the
order understand the commander’s intent and CONOPS. Transition may be internal or
external in the form of briefs or drills. Internally, transition occurs between future plans and
future/current operations. Externally, transition occurs between the commander and
subordinate commands.
For more information on plan transitions, see JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning.
c. Phases. A phase can be characterized by the focus that is placed on it. Phases are
distinct in time, space, and/or purpose from one another, but must be planned in support of
each other and should represent a natural progression and subdivision of the campaign or
operation (see Figure III-10). Each phase should have a set of starting conditions (that define
the start of the phase) and ending conditions (that define the end of the phase). The ending
conditions of one phase are the starting conditions for the next phase.
(1) Working within the phasing construct, the actual phases used will vary
(compressed, expanded, or omitted entirely) with the joint campaign or operation and be
determined by the MNFC. During planning, the MNFC establishes conditions, objectives, or
events for transitioning from one phase to another and plans sequels and branches for
potential contingencies. Phases are designed to be conducted sequentially, but some
activities from a phase may begin in a previous phase and continue into subsequent phases.
The MNFC adjusts the phases to exploit opportunities presented by the adversary or
operational situation or to react to unforeseen conditions. A joint campaign or operation may
be conducted in multiple phases simultaneously if the OA has widely varying conditions.
For instance, the commander may transition to the stabilize phase in some areas while
remaining in the dominate phase in those areas where the enemy has not yet capitulated.
Occasionally operations may revert to a previous phase in an area where a resurgent or new
enemy re-engages friendly forces.
III-50 JP 3-16