Operational Protection: Piecing Together the Puzzle in Joint Doctrine

Abstract

Abstract : Operational protection, one of six operational functions that Support the successful employment of combat forces, is one of the foremost responsibilities of an operational commander. In every military operation, operational commanders end staffs will be required to plan end implement operational protection measures, the process of which should include risk management procedures, to ensure the accomplishment of their objectives. Consisting of multiple elements, each component of operational protection must he synchronized with the other components to achieve a Synergistic effect that creates an operational advantage by the protection of the friendly center of gravity. While elements of the concept of operational protection exist in joint publications, this operational function has yet to he fully developed. The components of operational protection that are Strewn throughout various joint publications need to be synthesized into coherent guidance for the operational commander. The lack of clear and coherent doctrine in joint publications concerning operational protection leads to a deficiency in incorporating risk management procedures for an operational commander's consideration in operational design. An operational commander's clear understanding of what an acceptable level of risk is when determining his forces' operational protection posture significantly contributes to his ability to exercise operational art and achieve decisive results.