JP 3-0, page 48

Chapter II II-8 JP 3-0 (3) Commander’s Planning Guidance. JFCs guide the joint force’s actions throughout planning and execution. However, the staff and component commanders typically expect the JFC to issue initial guidance soon after receipt of a mission or tasks from higher authority and provide more detailed planning guidance after the JFC approves an operational approach. This guidance is an important input to subsequent mission analysis, but the completion of mission analysis is another point at which the JFC may provide updated planning guidance that affects COA development. (4) Commander’s Intent. Commander’s intent is the commander’s clear and concise expression of what the force must do and the conditions the force must establish to accomplish the mission. It is a succinct description of the commander’s visualization of the entire operation and what the commander wants to accomplish. Commander’s intent supports mission command and allows subordinates the greatest possible freedom of action. It provides focus to the staff and helps subordinate and supporting commanders act to achieve the commander’s desired results without further orders once the operation begins, even when the operation does not unfold as planned. Successful command demands that subordinate leaders at all echelons exercise disciplined initiative and act aggressively and independently to accomplish the mission within the commander’s intent. Subordinates’ emphasis is on timely decision making, understanding the higher commander’s intent, and clearly identifying the subordinates’ tasks necessary to achieve the desired end state. Well- crafted commander’s intent improves subordinates’ ability to act effectively in fluid, chaotic situations. (5) Commander’s Critical Information Requirements. CCIRs are elements of friendly and enemy information the commander identifies as critical to timely decision making. They focus IM and help the JFC and staff assess the operational environment. The CCIR list is normally a product of mission analysis, and JFCs add, delete, and update CCIRs throughout an operation. (6) Concept of Operations. The CONOPS, included in paragraph 3, (Execution) of the plan or order, describes how the JFC intends to integrate, synchronize, and phase actions of the joint force components and supporting organizations to accomplish the mission, including potential branches and sequels. The CONOPS typically is a detailed extension of the operational approach, but incorporates modifications based on updated information and intelligence gained during planning as well as the JFC’s approved COA. The staff writes (or graphically portrays) the CONOPS in sufficient detail so that subordinate and supporting commanders understand their mission, tasks, and other requirements and can develop their supporting plans accordingly. The CONOPS also provides the basis for developing the concept of fires, concept of intelligence operations, and concept of logistic support, which also are included in the final OPLAN or OPORD. COMMON OPERATING PRECEPT Ensure freedom of action.