Adopting a Single Planning Model in the Bulgarian Armed Forces at the Operational Level of War
Abstract
The Bulgarian Armed Forces (BAF) currently use NATO's comprehensive planning process. The validity of the NATO planning process has never been confirmed in a real war while the U.S. Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP) has. The reliability of these planning processes needed to be assessed and a determination made of which parts from each model will enable Bulgaria to be a more effective coalition partner. I analyzed the Bulgarian planning model and the JOPP to show how the BAF can become more capable in combined operational planning. First, I conducted a step-by-step comparison of each step or phase; inputs, the process and outputs of both processes. Second, I identified the differences and similarities within these two planning models and possible areas where synchronization is possible. Third, I compared each planning process--JOPP and Bulgarian--to the evaluation criteria. Fourth, I conducted the interviews limited to four major questions. My conclusion is that neither NATO's planning process nor the JOPP are sufficient alone to provide the model for BAF planers. The BAF are often engaged in complex coalition operations. The optimum planning process for the BAF is combination of the JOPP and Bulgarian planning model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA590427
Entities
People
- Yanko I. Panayotkov
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College