More Than Just Plan, Prepare, Execute, and Assess: Enhancing the Operations Process by Integrating the Design and Effects-Based Approaches

摘要

The aim of this monograph is to conduct an evaluation of the two most predominant experimental theoretical constructs -- Effects-Based Approach to Operations (EBAO) and Design -- and confront the challenge of integrating practical elements of the two constructs into the cyclic operations process: plan, prepare, execute, and assess. The research finds that these two alternative conceptual approaches to operational thought -- EBAO and Design -- have irreconcilable differences. Whereas EBAO applies a systems perspective to develop solutions through center of gravity and nodal link analyses, Design focuses on deriving a deeper systemic understanding through heuristic thinking and learning. In practice, overly reductive and algorithmic additions to the original EBAO concept, such as System of Systems Analysis (SOSA) and Operational Net Assessment (ONA), discredited EBAO in the eyes of numerous U.S. Military senior leaders. Having fallen short on meeting its promise of good prediction, EBAO must return to its original principles to retain any relevancy in today's complex operational environment. Nevertheless, integration is possible considering the similarities the constructs have in methodological technique. Of the two approaches, Design is the superior approach for operating in complex environments. Complimented by select EBAO elements and offering a broader holistic thinking and learning methodology, Design significantly enhances the commander-driven activities of the operations process. This paper suggests a recommended change to the operations process construct to improve operational praxis.