Page 236 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
a realistic planning timeline and to adhere to it. Also consider that time
is needed for subordinate-level planning (one third-two third rule).
Generally, the commander’s initial planning guidance should include an
initial commander’s intent, a general assessment of the OE, a general
assessment of the problem, any initial ideas regarding Commander’s
Critical Information Requirement (CCIR), guidance addressing specific
operational functions, specific force employment considerations and
any planning limitations (Constraints and Restraints).

Review Commander’s Initial Planning Guidance

The commander’s initial planning guidance shapes the plan’s
development. Since the commander’s perspective permeates all
aspects of the NPP, it is important that the planning team, as a group,
reviews the commander’s initial planning guidance to ensure a common
understanding and to resolve possible misinterpretations or identify
points that may require clarification. If the commander used design
methodologies to aid in the formulation of initial planning guidance,
those design products should also be reviewed at this time.

Receive Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment
Briefing

HHQ staff estimates often facilitate the development of the subordinate
staff estimates that are critical to the NPP. One of the products of the
intelligence staff estimate is the IPOE. At this point in the NPP, the IPOE
briefing provides the planning team with a review of the OE and the
adversary and offers the planning team a means to focus on many of
the factors that will influence the remainder of the NPP. During crisis
action planning, the IPOE briefing may be an initial product, with the
expectation that the Operational Planning Team (OPT) will provide
critical feedback for further development by the intelligence staff.

Analyse the Higher Commander’s Mission and Intent

The higher commander’s mission statement, normally found in the
HHQ’s directive and the capabilities and limitations of the Navy or
maritime component force must be studied. The commander should

216 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea