Planning in the Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha.
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify individual and collective processes that characterize both effective and ineffective planning in the Special Forces (SF) Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) and to suggest training enhancements. During Phase I, interviews with SF experts indicated that ODA commanders and their staffs are deficient in skills and knowledges related to mission analysis and intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB). During Phase II, the authors reviewed archival data and observed ODA planning during a single rotation at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). ODAs that were "strong" in mission analysis (a) generated more effective implied tasks resulting from analysis and relating to other mission elements; (b) recognized a wider variety of constraints and were more likely to include constraints directly related to the threat; and (c) were more likely to revise courses of action (COAs) or method of evaluation based on the results of their evaluation. ODAs that were "weak" in IPB (a) did not analyze the effects of weather and terrain on their mission, (b) did not develop an appropriate reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) data collection plan, (c) may produce lower quality IPB products, and (d) may determine enemy COAs less effectively.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA292723
Entities
People
- Donald H. Smith
- John E. Morrison
- Judith E. Brooks
- Paul J. Sticha
Organizations
- Human Resources Research Organization