Naval Operations Planning Guide

Beschrijving

Naval Operational Planning

Naval operations planning is on of the levels of warfare. Because war is fought at many levels of organisation. The actual fighting is done at the tactical level, where the actual fights are won or lost. It must also be strategically managed at the highest level where decision determine the outcome of a war. In between is the fluid and highly unpredictable level of operations. That is where battles between forces are planned and controlled.

Operational planning at sea is in many ways the same as at land or in the air. But the difference  between these domains lie in the many detailed aspects of the sea. And as always the devil is in those details. Often it is important to plan in cooperation with the other domains, or ‘joint’ as the military say. This is  predominantly when naval forces come within reach of land.

However the planning and execution of operations in naval warfare always require a slightly different approach. The process cannot be explained by use of rigorous procedures and standard plans. The fluidity and unpredictability of warfare demands proper knowledge. That means both good managerial as well as creative skills. It is why the expertise at this level is referred to as “operational art”.

Naval Operations planning requires training

And just as in any form of art it requires skill, training and experience. But it also demands a open mind, creativeness and a even more intangible traits. That is if one aspires to be the best at this level. It also is why good staff officers difficult to find. The biggest debate however is whether it can be trained. At NAVTRAIN we believe this can be done will help you.