Critical Function of Operational Assessment in Military
Please read ADP 5-0 (attached) and learn by discovery, look for information regarding; The Operational Process (specifically Operational Assessment), the difference in use between RDMP and MDMP, and the role of senior NCO in planning and execution.
Things to think about and to answer with your essay;
1. Who is primarily responsible for Operational Assessment?
2. What are the other Operational Process steps and how do they effect and support Operational Assessment?
3. When in the Operational Process is an assessment required?
4. Where is RDMP required instead, vice MDMP? Explain the primary differences between the two methods and their use.
5. How does operational assessment work within different time frames such as long-range vs. short-range planning? Explain the NCO's role in mission or operational execution.
6. Why is the role of the Command Sergeant Major and Operations Sergeant
Major so crucial for the operational process?
Further instructions;
*This essay is 1000 words long, +/- 5%. No exceptions. We don't use title page or references in that word count.
*This is technical writing, so no narratives please. Always use third person and avoid passive language.
*Essays include a title with cover page, level 1 and 2 headers, references, and are double spaced.
*Use Times New Roman 12pt for your font and use APA7 formatting for your essay.
*Include a thesis statement somehow regarding the role of the Operations Sergeant in the Operational Process and/ or Assessment, and then proceed to prove it.
*Make sure you re-state your thesis before making any conclusions in your written essay.
*Use two other references besides ADP 5-0 (for a total of 3) to cite and support your thesis, main body, and conclusions.
*Remember and use what you learned about technical writing from your last essay on 'Leadership Styles and Influence Techniques'.
*If you are unfamiliar with the standards for technical writing or APA7 writing style; check out these two links.
Use scribbr for content style and citefast for your reference page.
The Operations Process
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In military operations, where precise decision-making and adaptability are paramount, operational assessment is a linchpin in achieving mission success. The primary responsibility is vested in commanders, and then it is integrated into the broader operational process, timed within varying planning horizons, and differentiated between RDMP and MDMP. Moreover, Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and senior enlisted leaders are indispensable in facilitating the seamless execution of operational assessment within the dynamic operational landscape. This paper focuses on the critical function of operational assessment in enhancing military effectiveness and mission accomplishment, with the Operations Sergeant playing a central role in this process.
Primary Responsibility for Operational Assessment
Operational Assessment is a critical facet of military leadership, and its primary responsibility rests squarely with the commander, who plays a pivotal role in overseeing and conducting these assessments. Military commanders often occupy senior leadership roles and evaluate military operations' progress and effectiveness at the tactical, operational, or strategic level (Department of the Army, 2019). This evaluation encompasses the analysis of multiple factors, such as mission objective attainment, resource allocation, and the adjustment of strategies in light of the ever-changing nature of warfare. While commanders retain ultimate accountability, a collaborative effort emerges, with staff members, subordinate leaders, and subject matter experts contributing to the assessment process. This ensures commanders receive comprehensive insights into the operational landscape, enabling informed decisions and adjustments to achieve mission success.
Operational Process Steps and Assessment Support
The Operational Process comprises interconnected steps to achieve mission success, with Operational Assessment as a critical element. These steps encompass planning, preparation, execution, and assessment. Planning involves setting objectives and formulating courses of action, laying the groundwork for subsequent phases. Preparation ensures the alignment of resources with the plan. Execution marks the mission's implementation, and assessment, closely linked with Operational Assessment, provides continuous feedback and analysis. It relies on data gathered during execution, aiding decision-making. This iterative cycle highlights the interdependence of Operational Assessment and other steps (Kennedy & Zillmer, 2022). For instance, assessment findings may prompt planning adjustments or resource reallocation, showcasing the dynamic nature of this process, which is vital for mission optimization.
Timing Assessments in the Operational Process
Assessments constitute a vital element of the operational process, necessitating their presence at various stages to facilitate effective decision-making and planning phases. These assessments primarily occur during the assessment step, which operates concurrently with other pivotal phases: planning, preparation, and execution. Triggered by significant events or operation milestones, such as mission phase completion, objective achievement, or shifts in the operational context, assessments serve as a linchpin in decision-making. They empower commanders and staff to scrutinize ongoing operations' progress, detect deviations from the initial plan, and make requisite modifications to ensure mission success (Kennedy & Zillmer, 2022). Assessments also hold considerable significance in the planning phase, laying the groundwork for prospective courses of action. Assessments are necessary for multifaceted, evolving operational landscapes, offering real-time feedback and intelligence.
Method Differences in RDMP and MDMP