JP 3-0, page 47

The Art of Joint Command II-7 require the commander’s participation and decisions. These include the operational approach, mission statement, commander’s planning guidance, commander’s intent, commander’s critical information requirements (CCIRs), and CONOPS. (1) Operational Approach. The operational approach is a commander’s description of the broad actions the force must take to achieve the desired military end state. It is the commander’s visualization of how the operation should transform current conditions into the desired conditions at the end state—the way the commander wants the operational environment to look at the conclusion of operations. The operational approach is based largely on an understanding of the operational environment and the problem facing the JFC. Once the JFC approves the approach, it provides the basis for beginning, continuing, or completing detailed planning. The JFC and staff should continually review, update, and modify the approach as the operational environment, end state, or problem change. (2) Mission Statement. The joint force’s mission is what the joint force must accomplish. It is described in the mission statement, which is a sentence or short paragraph that describes the organization’s essential task (or set of tasks) and purpose—a clear statement of the action to be taken and the reason for doing so. The mission statement— approved by the commander—contains the elements of who, what, when, where, and why; but seldom specifies how. It forms the basis for planning and is included in various products such as the planning guidance and as paragraph 2 (Mission) of the completed OPLAN or order. Clarity of the joint force mission statement and its understanding by subordinates are essential to success. Figure II-2. Joint Operation Planning Process Joint Operation Planning Process Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Planning Initiation Mission Analysis Course of Action (COA) Development COA Analysis and Wargaming COA Comparison COA Approval Plan or Order Development