JP 3-0, page 45

The Art of Joint Command II-5 supports operational art with a general methodology using elements of operational design for understanding the situation and the problem. The methodology helps the JFC and staff to understand conceptually the broad solutions for attaining mission accomplishment and to reduce the uncertainty of a complex operational environment. The elements of operational design (Figure II-1) are individual tools that help the JFC and staff visualize and describe the broad operational approach. These operational design elements are useful throughout JOPP. b. Commanders and staffs can use operational design when planning any joint operation. Notwithstanding a commander’s judgment, education, and experience, the operational environment often presents some situations so complex that they defy complete understanding. Nor does such complexity lend itself to coherent planning. Bringing adequate order to complex problems to facilitate further detailed planning requires an iterative dialogue between commanders and staff. Rarely will members of the staff recognize an implicit operational approach during their initial analysis of the operational environment and tasks from higher HQ. Successful development of the approach requires continuous analysis, learning, and discourse between commander, staff, and other subject matter experts. The challenge is even greater when the JFC considers the intended and unintended consequences of both military and interorganizational actions within the joint operations area (JOA), the perceptions and plans of those partners, the expectations of the local populace and host nation (HN) government, and the regional and global implications. c. Operational art, operational design, and JOPP blend in complementary fashion as part of the overall process that produces the eventual plan or order that drives the joint operation. Effective operational design results in more efficient detailed planning and increases the chances of mission accomplishment. For more information on operational art and the details of operational design, refer to JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning. 5. Joint Operation Planning a. Joint operation planning consists of planning activities associated with joint military operations by CCDRs and their subordinate JFCs in response to contingencies and crises. It Figure II-1. Elements of Operational Design Elements of Operational Design        Termination Military end state Objective Effects Center of gravity Decisive point Lines of operation and lines of effort       Direct and indirect approach Anticipation Operational reach Culmination Arranging operations Forces and functions