Problem Framing

Understand the Environment

Understand the Problem

Purpose
Review Problem Framing Review injects used for Problem Framing Examine the Problem Framing activities Review the Problem Framing results

Purpose of Problem Framing

To gain an enhanced understanding of the environment and the nature of the problem. This understanding allows a commander to visualize the operation and describe his conceptual approach of what the command must accomplish, when, where it must be done, and most importantly, whythe purpose of the operation
- Understand the environment and the problem - Set the stage for the rest of the Planning Process

Problem Framing

PROBLEM FRAMING TRANSITION COA DEV

ORDERS DEVELOPMENT COA COMP / DEC

COA WARGAMING

Problem Framing
INJECTS
Situational Info
HHQ Guidance & intent

ACTIVITIES
Design

RESULTS
Problem Framing Brief

Outside I nfo Govt Agencies

Other Service Open Source Expertise Experience Judgment Knowledge

WARNO / OPORD Intel / IPB products I&W

Com m ander & Staff

Com m anders Orientation

Understanding the Environment Understanding the Problem IPB products Commanders Initial Guidance Tasks (Specified / Implied / Task Analysis Essential ID tasks Shortfalls (resources / SME) Analyze COGs COG analysis Assumptions / Limitations Assumptions /Limitations Draft Mission Statement RFIs Ongoing Activities Initial Staff Estimates Refine Intel and IPB products CCIRs Alert / Convene Red Cell M ission Statem ent Running Estimates Cdrs Intent Refine Area(s) of Interest and COA Dev Guidance Area of Influence W AR N O Shortfalls (Resources / SME) CCIRs / RFIs

Ongoing Activities

Information about the Operational Environment

Open
Other Services Source Other Govt Agencies

MARFOR

JTF Cmdr

MAGTF Cmdr

Outside Info

HHQ W ARNO / FRAGO / OP ORD / I & W

MSC/MSE Cmdrs

Future Plans

Future Ops
Force Fires

Intel Staff Action

Current Ops

Principal Staff

Design in Problem Framing

Commanders Orientation Understand the Environment Understand the Problem Commanders Initial Guidance Commanders Initial Intent

Visualize

Commanders Orientation
Can provide
Forming guidance for the staff/OPT Information received from HHQ, to include HHQ Design Initial ideas

Can be brief opening remarks or more detailed if working from an existing OPLAN or rotating back to theater Demonstrates the commanders personal involvement in driving the planning process

Command Climate
Commander sets the tone
Open and frank dialogue Personal involvement Ongoing engagement Encourage respectful dissent or alternative views

Multiple perspectives enhance group understanding

Understanding the Environment

Activities
Critical Thinking (Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation) Discussion

Consider a broad range of factors

Existing HHQ Design HHQ Mission, Intent, Orders, Directives and Guidance Intel Products to Include IPB Key Actors / Relationships Perfect understanding of Tendencies the environment is Potential impossible to achieve the key is the Cmdr and Time staff having an open, Culture / Language frank dialog to develop an appreciation of the Geography / Demographics larger situation Climate

Understanding the Environment

What is going on? Why has this situation developed? What does it mean? What is the real story?

ZU-23

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3 342

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Figure B (UNCLASSIFIED) 3d Bn, 342nd Mtzd Infantry Brigade Disposition

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3/342 1/342

Design Lenses
Can use a number of lenses to discuss and communicate Design:
Warfighting Functions/Lines of Operation PMESII and/or DIME 11 Critical Variables of the OE (+ Culture) Battlespace Analysis COG Analysis Purpose and End state

Warfighting Functions

Intelligence Maneuver Fires Logistics Force Protection Command and Control

Lines of Operations
Combat Operations / Civil Security Operations Secure the populace continuously. Counter crime (organized and petty). Separate insurgency from populace. Identify & neutralize political & support infrastructure. Secure Borders. Isolate insurgency. Integrate w/ HN forces Handover duties case-by-case.

End state
Populace secured continuously. Freedom of lawful movement established.

Information Operations

HN Security Forces Establish training Develop centers and organizational infrastructure. infrastructure. Essential Services Sewage plants operating. Governance Develop initial governance concept. Identify & recruit local leaders. Trash collected regularly.

Develop initial concept for mission, structure, and organization.

Identify and recruit leaders. Recruit members.

Provide for basing and training.

Employ HN security forces with COIN force advisors.

Effective and self-sufficient HN security forces established.

Potable water available.

Electricity restored.

Schools Transportation and network restored. colleges opened.

Medical clinics and hospitals opened.

Essential services developed

Establish local, regional, national policies.

Reestablish justice system. Police, courts, prisons.

Establish Local, regional, National policies.

Support and secure elections.

Effective government institutions and presence established or restored.

Economic Development Mobilize/ develop local economic activity. Initiate contracts with local businesses to stimulate trade. Rebuild commercial Infrastructure (banks, markets). Support broad-based economic opportunity. Support a free market economy.

Functional economy established. Freedom to conduct lawful commerce.

Sample goals and objectives across logical lines of operations. (MCWP 3-33.5)

DIME on PMESII

Diplomatic Informational Military Economic

Political Military Economic Social Informational Infrastructure

Understanding the Problem

Activities
Critical Thinking (Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation) Discussion

Reveal the nature of the Problem

Existing HHQ Design HHQ Mission, Intent, Orders, Directives and Guidance Enemy / Terrain / Weather Troops and Fire Support Available Initial Staff Estimates Civil Considerations An appreciation of the environment leads to an DoS understanding of the USAID difference between OGA existing and desired NGO, etc conditions, in other wordsthe problem to Tempo be solved Range of Potential Actions / Opportunities Limitations / Assumptions

The Environment
Environment Adversary Cultures Ally Capabilities
Regional Power Non-State Actors

Cmdrs
Guidance

Capabilities
Public Opinion

Adversary
Public Opinion

Religions

Regional Power

Ally

Information We Can Filter / Fuse Information We Can Collect

Capabilities

Multiple Perceptions via Collective Experience, Expertise and Wisdom

Refined Vision of the Problem

All Information Regarding the Complex Systems in the Operational Environment

Critical thinking, Discussion, Group Learning

Cmdrs Synthesis, Vision. A fuller understanding of the problem

Commanders Initial Guidance

Builds upon Commanders Orientation Based on initial understanding to provide direction to the staff Commander shares his understanding of the environment and the nature of the problem As detailed or broad as the commander desires No prescriptive format Can include but is not limited to:
Centers of Gravity Critical Information Requirements Battlespace Initial thoughts on possible solutions LOOs PMESII DIME WFFs 11 x Variables + Culture

Commanders Initial Intent

Commanders personal expression of the Purpose of the Operation
Allows subordinates to exercise judgment and initiative Commander may refine his intent as the process develops

Purpose and End state of the Operation

Answers the why, how, and to what extent questions for the operation Ensures clear understanding essential to maintaining tempo in both planning and execution Helps focus subordinates understanding of the larger context of their actions and guides them in the absence of orders

Task Analysis
Identify Tasks
Specified Implied Essential

COG Analysis Assumptions / Limitations Develop Proposed Mission Statement

Identify Tasks
Specified Implied Essential

Specified Tasks
Those tasks specifically assigned to a unit by its HHQ
Not routine or SOP related

A Commander may also specify tasks based upon a METT-T analysis Located in Paragraph 3.C and elsewhere, such as in the Coordinating Instructions or Annexes

Implied Tasks
Those tasks performed to accomplish specified tasks but not specifically stated in the HHQ order or plan
Ensure all tasks are captured in your OPORD Tasks that are not routine or SOP related Implied tasks should be linked to a specified task.

Essential Tasks
Those Specified or Implied Tasks that define mission success and apply to the force as a whole. Once they have been identified as Essential Tasks, they form the basis of the mission statement
Essential Tasks:
1. Seize Rgt Obj A 2. Defeat enemy forces in

zone 3. Linkup with 8th Tanks 4. Block enemy forces

Evaluate each Essential Task to

verify it contributes to mission accomplishment

Center of Gravity Analysis

The staff conducts a detailed Center of Gravity analysis to identify or refine adversary / friendly Centers of Gravity
Commander may provide initial COGs in his Commanders

Guidance

HHQs provides their enemy / friendly COGs in orders / Intel

products

The staff determines friendly and adversary vulnerabilities

Derives Critical Vulnerabilities from these vulnerabilities

Assumptions
Factors assumed to be true in absence of positive proof Must be logical, realistic, and essential for planning to continue Do not assume away an enemy capability A validated assumption becomes a fact An Assumption carried into execution becomes a risk Assumptions carried into execution are continuously reviewed Keep a record of assumptions

Limitations
Restraints: Things you cannot do Deliberately target religious facilities Constraints: Things you must do Minimize collateral damage

TTP:

What is the impact on accomplishing the mission Restraints / Constraints are considered Limitations

Draft the Mission Statement

Answers questions: who, what, when, where, and why Clearly delineates the purpose of the mission Statement based upon Essential Task(s) that apply to the force as a whole and are necessary for mission success Addresses Essential Tasks in expected sequence of execution Must nest with HHQ mission and intent Developed for commanders approval in the Problem Framing brief

Ongoing Activities
Includes but is not limited to:
Refine / Revisit Design Refine IPB Products The Red Cell The Green Cell

Staff Estimates Estimates of Supportability Refine Battlespace Identify Resource Shortfalls Recommend Commander's Critical Information Requirements Identify Requests for Information / Validate Assumptions Orders Development

Prepare / Refine IPB Products

Review and refine HHQ intelligence and IPB products Produce new products to support analysis Refinement / update of IPB is continuous Support analysis of
Adversary COAs COGs Mission

Red Cell
Form and organize the Red Cell Coordinate with the G-2 / S-2 (normally under G-2 / S-2 cognizance) Analyze the adversary in conjunction with the G-2 / S-2
COG Develop enemy planning tools

Advise the OPT Membership:

Task-organized to mirror enemy strengths / capabilities Led by MAGTF-experienced, field-grade officer Warfighting functions representation Other skills
FAO / regional / political SME

Staff Estimates and Subordinate Estimates of Supportability

Facts, events and conclusions that will be refined throughout the process and continuously developed that affect the mission Supports decision-making in planning and execution Recommendations on how to best use resources Formats are found in Appendix G of MCWP 5-1
Considerations for combat service support: CSS priorities in terms of tactical logistics functions Transportation Supply Maintenance General Engineering Medical Services Services Positioning of key CSS assets and bases Medical evacuation treatment and evacuation guidance Anticipated requirements and pre-stockage of Class I, III & V Controlled supply rates

Components of a Staff Estimate

Define requirements (task analysis) Define capabilities and capacity Assess limitations Identify shortfalls and excesses Identify assumptions and RFIs Identify solutions from analysis of information Identify recommendations for commander consideration

Types of Estimates
Staff Estimates
Functional Estimates

PROVIDED BY STAFF PROVIDED BY SUBORDINATE COMMANDERS

Estimates of Supportability

Reference
CJCSM 3122.03A, JOPES Vol II MCWP 5-1, App F MSTP Pamphlet 5-0.2, App F MSTP OPT Toolkit CD

Types of Estimates
Planning Process
Problem Framing Initial Staff Estimates COA Dev Concepts of Support War Game Refined Staff Estimates COA C/D Refined Staff Estimates Orders & TR Annexes & Appdx
Staff Products

Estimates of Supportability

Subordinate Commander Products

Initial Staff Estimates

Review HHQ products Apply the Commanders visualization Examine factors that support decision making Examine factors that affect mission requirements Provide an assessment which helps frame COA development During Problem Framing, outputs are proposed shortfalls, RFIs, and CCIRs

Refined Staff Estimates

Review updated IPB SMEs and subordinate units provide detailed planning data Estimates become specific to each COA Review War Game results
COA advantages & disadvantages Projected support requirements Unanticipated enemy capabilities or actions Unanticipated support requirements Lessons learned

Recommend changes to the COA or revise the staff estimate Identify preferred COA and rationale behind selection

Concepts of Support
Staff estimate transitions to an Annex or Appendix specific to the approved COA (CONOPS). Descriptive game plan on how to apply each Warfighting function to accomplish the mission
Recommendations on how to best utilize resources Organized according to what best fits your staff section Generally outlined by Task / Purpose / Method / End state COA specific

Require crosstalk with subordinate commanders and their Estimates of Supportability

Estimates of Supportability
Provided by subordinate commanders
May be organized differently
Warfighting function Function of Logistics Function of Marine Aviation

COA specific Structure is the same as a staff estimate Continually updated and refined throughout the planning process

Example Estimate Worksheet

References Publications Calculators Ref # Significant Facts 1 Guidance/ decisions by the Cmdr 2 Requirements Personnel Strength Personnel Replacement POW Casualty Estimates Morale/Personnel Services Adjutant Career Planning Disbursing Postal Limitations 1 2 Capabilities Unit(s) Equipt/Qty Capacity Shortfalls/Excesses Solutions/Recommendations

Assumptions 1 2 3

RFIs 1 2

Issues for the Commander 1 2

Engineer Estimate Example

Functional Area Engineering CEB ESB Road Graders (2) Assault Runway Kit (42) 25 Ton Crane (4) FAWPS (8) AAFS (4) Road Grader (7) Assault Runway Kit (51) Hose Reel System (4) Scrapers (12) TWPS (21) Ribbon Bridge/Container (3 sets)
AAFS: Full system 96 hours; receive over 1,000,000g per day, issue 550,000g (issue 600,000 per day side by side linear tank berms only 12 hours to set up?) Hose Reel: 5 miles per kit; 2 miles per hour for set-up; 600g per minute, 720,000 g output per day Ribbon Bridge: 77 meters per set; 1 hour to set-up; class 70 load TWPS: 1,500 g fresh w per hour, 1,000 sea w

Assets

Capabilities

Strengths

Weaknesses

Storage and issue capability

Time to set-up

Lengthens operational reach of fuel distribution system Length; ferry capacity

Difficult to completely secure over longer distances Strong water currents eliminate connected use External generator required

3 MB Johnson bridges 30th NCR

Water production vs consumption

70 m span; 80 MCL

Mitigate HA issues; improve LOCs, airfields

Bridges require significant lift (24 LVS equivalents)

Engineer Estimate
Shortfalls
(1) Bridge Co

Analysis
MEF CONOPs requires employment of all (3) ribbon bridge sets Ribbon bridges will need to be replaced by MBJ bridges

RFIs
Request

Recommendations

Have RFAs been est on bridges (1, 5, 7) What is the estimated river current at this time of year

MEF CONOPS change to employment of (2) ribbon bridges Request MRBC from USA

Refine Area(s) of Operation, Area of Influence / Interest

AO must be of sufficient size for the MAGTF to accomplish its mission and protect the force. Area of Influence: geographical area whereincommander is directly capable of influencing operations by maneuver or fire support systems

Area of Operations

Area of Interest: area of concern to the commanderincluding areas occupied by enemy forces who could jeopardizethe mission

Area of Influence

Area of Interest

Joint Area of Operations

Resource Shortfalls
Identify shortfalls in capabilities as early as possible Assess throughout planning
Obtain additional resources Adjust plan

Warfighting Functions filter

C2: bandwidth Intel: UAS support Maneuver: bridging assets Fires: precision guided munitions Logistics: line haul Force Protection: military police, counterintelligence assets

Information Operations Lines of Operation filter

Recommend CCIRs
Commander's tool to focus the staff Should be linked to a future decision

Cmdr
Adversary Friendly Environment

CCIR

1. Execute amphib

Commanders Decisions:

COA 2. Focus aviation on interdicting 91st / 93d Bdes

Are there indications of enemy activities along the eastern shore that

could disrupt amphibious operations? Are there I/W of company-sized elements of 91 / 93 Bdes moving east to occupy CTF Obj 1? When will Aslt Supt A/C be degraded to less than a company-sized element?

Requests for Information (RFIs)

Planning requires information Staffs identify gaps in available information and intelligence Forward requests to appropriate higher, adjacent, and subordinate staffs

Problem Framing
INJECTS
Situational Info
HHQ Guidance & intent

ACTIVITIES
Design

RESULTS
Problem Framing Brief

Outside I nfo Govt Agencies

Other Service Open Source Expertise Experience Judgment Knowledge

WARNO / OPORD Intel / IPB products I&W

Com m ander & Staff

Com m anders Orientation

Understanding the Environment Understanding the Problem IPB products Commanders Initial Guidance Tasks (Specified / Implied / Task Analysis Essential ID tasks Shortfalls (resources / SME) Analyze COGs COG analysis Assumptions / Limitations Assumptions /Limitations Draft Mission Statement RFIs Ongoing Activities Initial Staff Estimates Refine Intel and IPB products CCIRs Alert / Convene Red Cell M ission Statem ent Running Estimates Cdrs Intent Refine Area(s) of Interest and COA Dev Guidance Area of Influence W AR N O Shortfalls (Resources / SME) CCIRs / RFIs

Ongoing Activities

Problem Framing Brief

Situation update Battlespace organization Area of Operations, Area of Interest, Area of Influence Intelligence estimates and IPB products Terrain, weather analysis adversary integration (COAs) Higher headquarters mission HHQs Commanders Intent (two levels up) Review Purpose and Tasks Review Assumptions Review Restraints / Constraints Review shortfalls Center of Gravity analysis Requests for Information Recommended CCIRs Proposed Msn Statement (Approved) Refined Cmdrs Intent COA Dev Guidance

Approved Mission Statement

At H-Hour on D-Day, 6th Marines (Rein) attacks in zone to seize Regt Obj A (Aldie Gap) and Regt Obj B (Hopewell Gap) and destroy enemy armor in the vicinity of Regt Obj C (Rectortown) in order to enable the forward passage of 8th Marines, the division reserve.

Seize: To clear a designated area and obtain control of it. Destroy: Physically rendering an enemy force combat-ineffective unless it is reconstituted.

Refine the Commanders Intent

Commander may decide to make refinements to his previously issued commanders intent. Articulates his intent through:
Purpose End state

COA Development Guidance

Provides preliminary decisions required to focus the planners on the commanders conceptual vision of the operation Provides subordinate commanders and the staff with additional insight of what the force is to do and the resources that will allow his force to achieve the desired end state May be based on the Warfighting Functions or how the commander envisions the sequence of actions that will allow his force to achieve a decision
MCDP 1-0

Draft a Warning Order

Use five paragraph order (SMEAC) or unit SOP Should include:
Commanders Initial Guidance Approved Mission Statement Commanders Intent Other information that assists MSCs in planning

Summary
Injects
Situational Info
HHQ Guidance & intent

Activities
Design

Results
Problem Framing Brief

Outside I nfo Govt Agencies

Other Service Open Source Expertise Experience Judgment Knowledge

WARNO / OPORD Intel / IPB products I&W

Com m ander & Staff

Com m anders Orientation

Understanding the Environment Understanding the Problem IPB products Commanders Initial Guidance Tasks (Specified / Task Analysis Implied / Essential) ID tasks Shortfalls (resources / SME) Analyze COGs COG analysis Assumptions / Limitations Assumptions /Limitations Draft Mission Statement RFIs Ongoing Activities Initial Staff Estimates Refine Intel and IPB products CCIRs Alert / Convene Red Cell M ission Statem ent Running Estimates Cdrs Intent Refine Area(s) of Interest and COA Dev Guidance Area of Influence W AR N O Shortfalls (Resources / SME) CCIRs / RFIs

Ongoing Activities

54

Summary
Begins with Commanders Orientation
Formal guidance or information received from HHQ Design Commanders involvement will drive the process and ensure staff participation

Commander sets the tone for the design discourse and the entire planning process
Open and frank dialogue Personal involvement Ongoing engagement Encourage respectful dissent/alternative views

Summary
Continues with Initial Guidance
Builds on Commanders Orientation Provides commanders understanding of the environment and nature of the problem No prescriptive format, but may include:
Intent (Purpose) Centers of Gravity Critical Information Requirements Battlespace Initial thoughts on possible solutions Vision of the problem through multiple lens

Summary
Concludes with Task Analysis Staff needs to develop initial staff estimates Stand up Red Cell, Green Cell and Assessment Cell Staff presents Problem Framing Brief The Commander must:
Confirm Design (modify or refine) Approve mission statement Issue Commanders Intent Provide COA Development Guidance (Concept of Operations)

Homework
Complete Task Analysis Worksheet (2/6) Complete RFI Tracking Log Complete Warning Order#1 Worksheet

Task Analysis Worksheet

RFI Tracking Log

RFIs are used to reduce uncertainty Specific, timesensitive ad hoc requirements for information

Warning Orders
Written in such a way as to make it easily read and quickly understood Should contain only the information required to warrant its issue Originating commander should give due consideration to any assumptions that may serve as a basis for the warning order Warning orders should distinguish between tasks that require immediate execution and those that are planned

Warning Order Format

Addresses Changes to task organization Probable mission Commanders intent Tentative concept of operations Earliest time of movement Movement instructions Operation order issue (time/location) Special equipment/instructions Acknowledge receipt

Warning Order #1

Questions?