Conclusion
The discussion of “Sound Military Decision” now closes with a brief review of the application of mental power to the solution of military problems.
Mental power, which includes the ability to arrive at sound solutions of military problems, is a recognized essential component of fighting strength because (page 18) it is the source of professional judgment.
The procedure most likely to ensure sound solutions is the studied employment of a natural mental process, differing in no fundamental respect from that effectively utilized in all other human activities. The basic mental procedure remains unchanged, irrespective of the nature of the problem,—be it simple or complex, its solution instantaneous or slow. The procedure is especially adapted to the needs of the profession of arms through the use of the Fundamental Military Principle. By outlining the essential elements involved, this Principle, a valid guide for the solution of military problems, covers the full scope of the application of mental power as a recognized component of fighting strength.
It is more especially during the swift-moving action of the tactical engagement that moral capacity to command, and mental ability to solve military problems, experience the maximum pressure of events. It is then, also, that the responsibility of the commander creates an added demand for intelligent application of mental power because of the vital issues which may hinge upon his decisions. That this pressure be successfully sustained, and this responsibility effectively discharged, is the goal of any system of mental training in the profession of arms (page 114).
On a fundamental basis of earnest thought, mental ability, character, knowledge, and experience, finally rests the soundness of decision.
Outline Form of an Operation Plan
| File Notations SECRET (or CONFIDENTIAL) | TITLES OF THE SUPERIOR ECHELONS, TITLE OF THE FORCE, NAME OF SHIP, Flagship. |
| Operation Plan No. —— | PLACE OF ISSUE, Date and hour of issue. |
TASK ORGANIZATION.
(a) Task Force Title, Rank and name of its commander. Composition of Task Force.
(b) (Similarly enumerate other Task Forces after appropriate letter (b), (c), etc.)
1. Information. Information of enemy and own forces affecting the Plan and needed by subordinate commanders. If no further information is available, the statement “No further information” is inserted. Distinction is made between matters of conjecture and of fact. If desired, indicate the tasks and general objectives of higher echelons and of coordinate forces of the commander’s echelon, and of other forces of the command, not listed in the Task Organization. If desired, include general measures prescribed by the immediate superior for cooperation and security.
Assumptions. Statement of the assumptions upon which the Plan is based. Assumptions are things taken for granted as the basis for action.
2. The general plan for the whole force actually under the command of the officer issuing the Plan, and, if desired, the methods of executing it, and its purpose. If additional matter is needed to convey clearly the will and intent of the commander, such matter may be added.
3. (a) Title of Task Force (a), followed by a statement of the principal task, other tasks, and detailed instructions for the particular Task Force. Tasks may be stated, if preferred, in chronological order. Include directions as to cooperation, security, and intelligence activities.
(b) Title of Task Force (b), followed by a subparagraph of similar substance and arrangements as in (a) above.
(x) Instructions that apply to all Task Forces or that pertain to the general conduct of the operation, including, if desired, coordinating instructions applying to more than one task force. Include, particularly, measures for cooperation, security, and intelligence activities. Include statement of the time and/or manner in which the Operation Plan is to be placed in effect.
4. Broad instructions concerning logistics measures necessary to the operation, or reference to Logistics Annex, if one has been prepared in connection with the operation.
5. Measures necessary to the exercise of command, such as plan of communications, zone time to be used, rendezvous, and location of Commander during operation.
(Signature)
Rank,
Title of Command.
ANNEXES.
| A. (Name) B. do DISTRIBUTION | NOTE—The Operation Order (see page 196) follows this Form except that it makes no provision for assumptions, and is effective on receipt unless otherwise provided in the body of the Order. |
| (Authentication) | |
| (Seal) |