To disrupt/nullify the enemy’s plan and/or subdue his will to fight so he is either unwilling or unable to pursue his mission.
May or may not entail the destruction of any part of the enemy force
Psychological destruction over physical destruction
The employment of units in combat.
It includes the ordered arrangement and maneuver of units in relation to each other, the terrain, and the enemy in order to translate potential combat power into victorious battles and engagements.
The geographical area from which information and intelligence are required to permit planning or successful conduct of an operation. It is usually larger than an area of operation; it includes threats and characteristics of the operational environment that will significantly influence the accomplishment of the mission.
To place units or personnel in an organization where such placement is relatively permanent, and/or where such an organization controls and administers units/personnel for the primary function, or greater portion of the functions, of the unit/personnel.
The general and detailed methods used by troops and/or commanders to perform assigned missions and functions, specifically, the methods of using equipment and personnel.
Command authority over assigned or attached forces or commands made available for tasking, that is limited to the detailed direction and control of movements or maneuvers within the operational area necessary to accomplish missions or tasks assigned.
Provides sufficient authority for controlling and directing the application of force or tactical use of combat support assets within the assigned mission or task.
The point in time and space when the attacker’s combat power no longer exceeds that of the defender or when the defender no longer has the capability to defend their position successfully.
A tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive operation.
Force under pressure trades space for time by slowing the enemy’s momentum and inflicting maximum damage on the enemy
Does not become decisively engaged
The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces are operating.
Designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units.
The geographically assigned area for which commanders have the responsibility and the authority to conduct military operations.
When a commander integrates direct and indirect fires, terrain, and obstacles to upset an enemy’s formation or tempo, interrupt his timetable, or cause his forces to commit prematurely or attack in piecemeal fashion.
May become decisively engaged
A tactical mission task in which a second committed force follows a force conducting an offensive operation and is prepared to continue the mission if the lead force is fixed, attrited, or unable to continue.
The Army dictionary for operational terms.
Taking possession of a designated area using overwhelming force
Must physically occupy the ground
Forming an essential part of a military organization. Organic parts of a unit are those listed in its table of organization and equipment (TOE) for the Army.
An anticipated event, area, or point in the operation where and when the friendly commander will make a critical decision.
Standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks. They normal consist of a series of steps in a set order.
A mission which the force will accomplish at a later time; second in priority to any primary mission for planning; included in paragraph 2 of the OPORD.