Preparation Guide
Doctrinal Concepts
Mission Statement
A mission statement succinctly describes an organization's essential tasks, purpose, and
actions, incorporating the elements of who, what, when, where, and why. (JP 5-0, FM 5-
0)
It serves as a guiding principle for decision-making and strategic planning within military
operations.
Example: A mission statement for a military unit might read, "To secure and hold key
terrain in support of joint operations in the region."
The clarity of a mission statement can significantly impact operational effectiveness and
morale.
A well-defined mission statement aligns the efforts of all personnel towards a common
goal.
Characteristics of Defense
The characteristics of defense include preparation, security, mass and concentration,
depth, disruption, flexibility, and maneuver. (FM 3-90)
Preparation: Involves organizing forces and resources to effectively respond to enemy
actions.
Security: Ensures the protection of forces and information from enemy actions.
Mass and Concentration: Focuses combat power at decisive points to overwhelm the
enemy.
Depth: Extends operations to create multiple layers of defense, complicating enemy
attacks.
Disruption: Aims to interrupt enemy plans and operations, creating opportunities for
counteraction.
Decisive Point and Tenets of Army Unified Land Operations
, A decisive point is a key terrain or event that provides a significant advantage in military
operations. (JP 5-0, FM 5-0)
The tenets of Army Unified Land Operations include simultaneity, depth,
synchronization, and flexibility. (ADP 3-0)
Simultaneity: Conducting multiple operations at the same time to overwhelm the
enemy.
Depth: Extending operations to achieve strategic objectives over time and space.
Synchronization: Coordinating actions to maximize combat power at critical moments.
Flexibility: Adapting to changing conditions and employing a versatile mix of capabilities.
Primary Offensive Tasks
The primary offensive tasks include exploitation, pursuit, movement to contact, and
attack. (FM 3-90)
Exploitation: Follows a successful attack to disorganize the enemy further.
Pursuit: Aims to catch or cut off a retreating enemy force, destroying it if possible.
Movement to Contact: Develops the situation and establishes contact with the enemy.
Attack: Engages enemy forces to destroy or defeat them and secure terrain.
Defensive Operations and Principles of Joint Operations
Types of Defensive Operations
Defensive operations include area defense, mobile defense, and retrograde. (FM 3-90)
Area Defense: Focuses on denying the enemy access to specific terrain rather than
outright destruction.
Mobile Defense: Concentrates on defeating the enemy through decisive attacks by a
striking force.
Retrograde: Involves organized movement away from the enemy to preserve forces and
reposition for future operations.
Each type of defense has unique strategies and objectives based on the operational
context.
Principles of Joint Operations