Surviving Contact

<p>This research paper intended to find a better way to help the strategist account for the acknowledged unknowns in the operational plan--its assumptions. It outlines the current joint doctrine explanation of operational art and design and examines the criticality of assumptions in operational planning. It utilizes four historical examples to illustrate the impact of assumptions in war planning and finally it provides conclusions and recommendations to construct a viable plan that can survive 'first contact.' Serving as the commander's keys to assessing risk assumptions can identify decision points and act as catalysts for flexibility to 'survive the first contact' with an unpredictable enemy. The enabling element however for a plan to remain viable is not the assumption alone but its marriage to the commander's critical information requirements (CCIRs) and ultimately an actionable branch plan. The criticality of that linkage the importance of executable branch plans and the mitigating tools available to the commander and his planners are misunderstood and consequently underutilized.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>