UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
methodology to achieve desired objectives and assess effectiveness of MNC-I
operations.
3.A.1. (U) Commander’s Intent.
Description:
This should describe the JFC’s intent (purpose and end state), overall and by
phase. This statement deals primarily with the military conditions that lead to
mission accomplishment, so the commander may highlight selected objectives and
their supporting effects. It may also include how the posture of forces at the end
state facilitates transition to future operations. It may also include the JFC’s
assessment of the enemy commander’s intent and an assessment of where and
how much risk is acceptable during the operation. The commander’s intent,
though, is not a summary of the CONOPS.
The commander’s intent identifies the major unifying efforts during the campaign
or operation, the points and events where operations must succeed to control or
establish conditions in the OE, and where other instruments of national power will
play a central role. The intent must allow for decentralized execution. It provides
focus to the staff and helps subordinate and supporting commanders take actions
to achieve the military objectives or attain the end state without further orders, even
when operations do not unfold or result as planned. While there is no specified
joint format for the commander’s intent, a generally accepted construct includes
the purpose, end state, and risk.
3.A.1.A. Purpose and End State.
Description:
The purpose explains why the military action is being conducted. The purpose can
help the force pursue the mission in the absence of further orders, even when
actions do not unfold as planned. Thus, if an unanticipated situation arises,
commanders understand the purpose of the action and can act decisively and
within the higher commander’s intent.
A military end state describes conditions that define mission success. It also
describes how reaching the JFC’s military end state supports higher headquarters’
national objectives. The military end state normally represents a period in time or
set of conditions beyond which the President does not require the military
instrument of national power to achieve remaining national objectives.
Commanders and planners constantly assess the stated military end state against
the OE, resources, or policy.
Reference: DOD Dictionary, Pg 41; JP 5-0 Pg IV-18, I-19, I-20, A-5
MNC-I Example:
3.A. (U) Commander’s Intent.
3.A.1. (U) Purpose. MNC-I continues operations to neutralize the insurgency,
leadership and organizations, while developing the capacity for ISF to assume