Army Design Methodology
MSG Robert Burns
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy
Class 68
SGM Mejia and Mr. Hernandez
14 November 2017
Army Design Methodology In the previous two weeks, we have discussed the details of the Army Design Methodology (ADM). In this focused-area writing assignment, we will discuss framing of the operational environment, how my perspective as a Senior NCO enhances the commander’s understanding of the operational environment, then we will examine the five outputs of the ADM and transitioning to detailed planning. In both aspects, I will reflect on how to apply this knowledge.
Framing the Operational Environment In Unified Land Operations, the commander must be keenly aware of what is going on in his …show more content…
The activities involved in framing the operational environment give the commander a snapshot of the current operating picture versus his desired military end state. The current state informs the commander of pertinent actors currently involved in the environment and their roles relating to instability in the region or operating area. In framing the environment, commanders consider at least five activities. They include gaining understanding of higher guidance and direction- nesting his intent; and objectives to ensure higher echelon’s goals; and objectives are being met; and accomplished toward the overall bigger picture. This assures unity of effort, gaining an understanding of the current state of the operational environment. This involves consideration of who the key actors are and what the greater cause of instability is (the problem). Projection of how an operational environment may trend in the future, commanders, at this point may consider, if no action is taken. What will be the perpetual state of the area being operated in, discernment of the desired future states of other actors? This is understanding what the other actors involved stand to gain either …show more content…
ADM is the precursor conceptual planning to detailed planning. “The planning team helps the commander summarize their understanding of the operational environment and the problem, along with describing the operational approach to solve the problem” (Department of the Army, 2015b, p. 5-8). The outputs paint a picture for the commander and inform him of the staff’s understanding of what is going on in the operational environment. They include a description of the operational environment, which is a snapshot of the current state, balanced against the desired end state; a description of the problem- this entails the problem frame and the overall problem statement and includes tensions that further complicate the framed problems. An example used in class is that, SAPA wants recognition as an independent country and added tension would include Ariana’s support of SAPA’s insurgent activities; next is the description of the operational approach- this proposes to the commander how staff intends to solve the problem and accomplish the end state, in broad terms. Commanders and staff planners use the operational approach to organize lines of effort, defeat and stability mechanisms, objectives, and end state conditions, as we demonstrated during our recent practical exercise; formulation of the initial commander’s intent-
MSG Robert Burns
United States Army Sergeants Major Academy
Class 68
SGM Mejia and Mr. Hernandez
14 November 2017
Army Design Methodology In the previous two weeks, we have discussed the details of the Army Design Methodology (ADM). In this focused-area writing assignment, we will discuss framing of the operational environment, how my perspective as a Senior NCO enhances the commander’s understanding of the operational environment, then we will examine the five outputs of the ADM and transitioning to detailed planning. In both aspects, I will reflect on how to apply this knowledge.
Framing the Operational Environment In Unified Land Operations, the commander must be keenly aware of what is going on in his …show more content…
The activities involved in framing the operational environment give the commander a snapshot of the current operating picture versus his desired military end state. The current state informs the commander of pertinent actors currently involved in the environment and their roles relating to instability in the region or operating area. In framing the environment, commanders consider at least five activities. They include gaining understanding of higher guidance and direction- nesting his intent; and objectives to ensure higher echelon’s goals; and objectives are being met; and accomplished toward the overall bigger picture. This assures unity of effort, gaining an understanding of the current state of the operational environment. This involves consideration of who the key actors are and what the greater cause of instability is (the problem). Projection of how an operational environment may trend in the future, commanders, at this point may consider, if no action is taken. What will be the perpetual state of the area being operated in, discernment of the desired future states of other actors? This is understanding what the other actors involved stand to gain either …show more content…
ADM is the precursor conceptual planning to detailed planning. “The planning team helps the commander summarize their understanding of the operational environment and the problem, along with describing the operational approach to solve the problem” (Department of the Army, 2015b, p. 5-8). The outputs paint a picture for the commander and inform him of the staff’s understanding of what is going on in the operational environment. They include a description of the operational environment, which is a snapshot of the current state, balanced against the desired end state; a description of the problem- this entails the problem frame and the overall problem statement and includes tensions that further complicate the framed problems. An example used in class is that, SAPA wants recognition as an independent country and added tension would include Ariana’s support of SAPA’s insurgent activities; next is the description of the operational approach- this proposes to the commander how staff intends to solve the problem and accomplish the end state, in broad terms. Commanders and staff planners use the operational approach to organize lines of effort, defeat and stability mechanisms, objectives, and end state conditions, as we demonstrated during our recent practical exercise; formulation of the initial commander’s intent-