Systemic Operational Design: An Alternative to Estimate Planning

Abstract

Abstract : Traditional problem-solving models are lock step, linearly focused, and end-state driven. However, the advent of the Global War on Terror has changed the American way of warfare; no longer are we designing campaigns against structured state-aligned enemies whose doctrine is known and whose actions and motivations are conventional. Proponents of emerging models argue that commonly used, reductionist problem solving methods are not suited for campaign planning because they assume a closed system and do not easily allow for the extremely rapid changes that are so common in the relationships found in the COE. Framing and campaign design, with emphasis on systems theory, have therefore made their way to the forefront of doctrinal problem solving thinking. One model, Systemic Operational Design (SOD), looks at campaign design at the operational level of war. This paper gives a short explanation of the systems theory behind SOD, examines how the SOD process happens, and compares SOD with the time proven Commander's Estimate Process that makes up the JOPP, MDMP, and other service and joint problem solving methods.