Effects-Based Planning: Time to Think Anew and Act Anew; Strategy research project

摘要

The Joint Force's ability to successfully operate in a violent, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUGA) environment is critical to the future security of our nation. Given this environment and to set conditions for success a Department of Defense adoption of an effects-based approach to planning is the best adaptation at the theater level. This paper briefly examines joint and service doctrine positions on planning, effects, and the purpose each plays given the complexities of planning and executing in the current environment Planning and effects practices in Iraq will be the focus for illustration of potential and current problems faced when these two are not integrated. This paper will then discuss the doctrinal and organizational changes required to fuse effects and planning into an integrated process across all the planning ranges: deliberate, future, and crisis planning The final discussion point focuses on the institutional adaptations required to prepare leaders and organizations to effectively incorporate an effects- based approach to planning and decision making into current joint processes. This proposed approach will better prepare leaders and the overall Joint Force to act in concert with multinational and interagency partners to address the challenges of the future environment.