Elements of Operational Design (Military)

Elements of Operational Design
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Elements of Operational Design
Operational art and design are cognitive tactics used by superiors and staffs in the army, concerning their knowledge, creativity, skills, judgment, and experience. The function of operational design is to develop operations and campaigns that help in employing and organizing the “military forces by integrating ends, ways and means” (Spišák & Micánek, 2016). Brigadiers, SGM, and other heads use operations planning processes to implement the operational art by focusing on the elements of the design. This article highlights the aspects of operational design.
The key elements of operational design include the decisive point, termination, center of gravity, line of operation, culmination, arranging operations, line of efforts, forces and functions, objective, military end state, anticipation, direct and indirect approach, effect, and operational reach. The staff always attempt to improve their understanding of the above elements in the environment of operations throughout their duty’s execution.
The operational approach is a collection of the description of the broad action that the forces Joint Force Commanders (JFC) ought to understand so that they can achieve their desired objectives. It is the way the JFC visualizes their operations and how they can spearhead a transformation of their actual condition to meet their desired end. It is a projection of the future by the commanders.

The center of gravity, on the other hand, can be defined as the source of power or strength. The determination of the centers of gravity works by focusing on the friendly sources and enemies. The military tries identifying the centers of gravity early.
Critical capabilities are crucial enablers that help the COG’s functions. Critical vulnerabilities are the essential deficient components and may hinder the achievement of the military’s objectives. Critical requirements are the resources, means, and conditions that enable proper essential functioning of this capability. A JFC’s COG must have the adequate operational reach or all these capabilities so that they can combat an adversary or vulnerabilities (Joint Staff, J-7 Joint, and Coalition Warfighting, 2011).
The line of operations identifies the planning efforts in place to aid the working of the military. It is basically how the military prepares itself for its functions. The line of effort, on the other hand, is the process of restoration of the essential services.
References
Joint Staff, J-7 Joint and Coalition Warfighting. (2011). Planner’s Handbook for Operational Design. Suffolk, Virginia: Joint Staff, J-7 Joint and Coalition Warfighting.
Spišák, J., & Micánek, F. (2016). Theory of Operational Design Concepts and Their Significance for Higher Military Education. Anthropologist, 24(1), 173-178. doi:10.1080/09720073.2016.11892003