Synchronization at the Operational Level.

Abstract

Abstract : A wartime campaign is the synchronization of air, land, sea, space, and special operations - as well as interagency and multinational operations - in harmony with diplomatic, economic, and informational efforts to attain national and multinational objectives. Synchronization in both planning and execution is the acme of great generalship, however, recurring deficiencies at both the tactical and operational levels indicate many of our leaders are unable to effectively synchronize plans and operations. Our generation of senior leaders are the most educated in the history of warfare and yet still struggle with the issues and complexities of synchronizing operations. In spite of modern technology and digitization of the battlefield, commanders still fail to synchronize, orchestrate, and integrate all systems to achieve a desired end-state. This paper examines the doctrinal issues and problems associated with operational synchronization in the planning process. It looks at the tactical level only to the extent necessary to draw operational level conclusions. It then focuses on just two aspects of synchronization; the competency requirements of the commander, and the synchronization process in the planning phase of the tactical decisionmaking process.