Discovering the Effects-Endstate Linkage: Using Soft Systems Methodology to Perform EBO Mission Analysis

Abstract

Mission analysis is the foundation of JFC campaign planning. This paper examines how planners determine effects necessary to yield desired endstate during the EBO mission analysis process. The paper questions the suitability of applying the traditional task-focused mission analysis process to EBO planning. EBO's conceptualization of the adversary as a Complex Adaptive System, the increased requirements for unified action between various actors (military, government, non-government, and coalition), and the amorphous 4th Generation Warfare environment each pose new mission analysis challenges. EBO mission analysis is shown to be more problem structuring than problem solving. A new mission analysis process is proposed using a modified version of Soft Systems Methodology to meet these challenges. The discussion includes a general overview of how the new mission analysis would work based on a simple scenario. The paper is relevant to EBO planners and practitioners, especially those dissatisfied with trying to force EBO to fit within the current mission analysis process.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA464121

Entities

People

  • William E. Young Jr.

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adaptive Systems
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Command And Control
  • Complex Adaptive Systems
  • Complex Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Economic Systems
  • Governments
  • Knowledge Management
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Operations Research
  • Systems Analysis
  • Systems Science
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Systems Analysis and Design