6-9. Upon receipt of the JFC WARNORD, if not sooner during Phase III, the JFSOCC begins execution planning by means of the JSOTMPP. The execution-planning phase of the JSOTMPP is a seven-step process (Figure 6-1, page 6-4).
Step 1 - Develop JFSOCC Course of Action
6-10. This step corresponds to Phase II (Target Development [Validation, Nomination, Prioritization]) of the joint targeting cycle. It begins as soon as the SOF options are developed in Phase III of the JSOTMPP. The JFC or the other components rarely nominate specific SOF targets. Normally, the best SOF planners can hope for is a clear statement of the desired effects or outcomes the JFC and his component commanders want SOF to achieve. SOF must then translate the targeting guidance into a list of SOF target nominations. The JFSOCC SO J3 plans officer performs a mission analysis of the SOF options in the WARNORD and directs all JFSOCC staff elements to prepare their staff estimates and submit the proposed commander’s critical information requirements (CCIR). As part of the staff estimate process, the SO J3 reviews the theater target database and determines the targets that will achieve the desired effects or outcomes specified or implied in the planning directive. He coordinates with the SOF LNOs at the JFC’s Joint Targeting Coordination Board (JTCB) to obtain JTCB targeting objectives and priorities based on the JFC’s targeting guidance in the WARNORD. He also coordinates with the SO LNOs at the other JFC components and supported operational HQ to determine the SO targets that will support their future plans.
Step 2 - Issue the WARNORD
6-11. During this step, the JFSOCC SO J3 issues a JFSOCC WARNORD through the GCCS to subordinate commanders and SOF LNOs. The J3 normally issues the WARNORD not later than (NLT) 168 hours before the earliest anticipated launch time (EALT). The WARNORD requests estimates (formerly called preliminary and initial assessments) from the commanders and LNOs by a certain date-time group (DTG) so the JFSOCC staff can integrate their input into the joint targeting cycle. Concurrently, the SO Intelligence Directorate (J2) provides the approved IRs to the SO J2 collection manager for refinement into RFI and collection tasks. The SO J2 collection manager submits RFIs over the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) through the JFC collection manager to the theater Joint Intelligence Center (JIC). The RFIs are for preliminary target intelligence data on the proposed targets to support the components’ estimate process. The theater JIC transmits this data directly to the JFSOCC, its SOF, and components through JWICS, normally within 8 hours of receipt of the RFI. This phase allows the JFSOCC components 24 hours to prepare their estimates, the last 16 of them with the preliminary target intelligence data in their possession.
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Figure 6-1. Special Operations Execution Planning Phase
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Step 3 - Conduct SOF Component Estimates (Assessments)
6-12. This step corresponds to Phase III (Capabilities Analysis) of the joint targeting cycle. Upon receipt of the JFSOCC WARNORD, the ARSOTF commander directs his OPCEN director to begin the military decision-making process (see FM 101-5). The ARSOTF plans officer performs a mission analysis of the SOF options, and the center directors prepare their staff estimates. Before ARSOTF plans and targeting personnel conduct capability analysis to determine the feasibility of the proposed targets, the target panel assesses the targets to confirm whether they satisfy the following four operational SOF mission criteria:
• Is this target an appropriate SOF mission?
• Does the mission support the JFC’s campaign plan?
• Are required resources available to execute the mission?
• Does the expected outcome justify the risk?
6-13. Upon completion of the ARSOTF staff estimates, the OPCEN director recommends a COA, a target nomination list, and a list of CCIR to the ARSOTF commander for approval and submission as input to the JFSOCC commander’s estimate. Based on these staff estimates and the OPCEN director’s recommendations, the ARSOTF commander provides his commander’s estimate (preliminary assessment) to the JFSOCC, normally NLT 144 hours before the EALT. The ARSOTF OPCEN director issues an ARSOTF WARNORD to subordinate FOBs, submits RFIs through JWICS to the JFSOCC SO J2 collection manager, and identifies other initial requirements to the JFSOCC staff, the SOTSE, and the supporting elements of the ASCC. Concurrently, the SOF LNOs at the JTCB orchestrate and deconflict the proposed joint SOF targets and missions with those of the other JFC components.
6-14. Based on the ARSOTF WARNORD, the FOB commander may issue FOB WARNORDs to uncommitted SFODs to prepare for isolation. Upon selection to perform a mission, the SFOD is isolated. All SFODs are unique.
Each has a different level of proficiency based on the strengths of its individual members, personnel turnover, and recent training opportunities.
Each requires a different amount of time to prepare for a specific mission and a different level of supervision during isolation and mission preparation. The FOB commander must consider these variables when selecting an uncommitted SFOD to perform a mission.
Step 4 - Select JFSOCC Course of Action
6-15. Upon completion of the JFSOCC staff estimates and receipt of the SOF component commanders’ estimates, the SO J3 prepares a decision brief for the JFSOCC (or his authorized deputy). The SO J3 recommends a COA, a refined target nomination list and the appropriate forces to execute the targets, and a list of CCIR.
6-16. The JFSOCC makes a decision or forwards a recommendation to the JFC (or his authorized deputy) for a decision, depending upon the JFSOCC’s approval authority. When the JFSOCC (or JFC) selects a COA for execution
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planning, the JFSOCC J3 issues a JFSOCC TASKORD normally NLT 120 hours before EALT.
Step 5 - Apply JFSOCC Force
6-17. This step corresponds to Phase IV (Force Application) of the joint targeting cycle. The JFSOCC TASKORD designates a mission planning agent (MPA) (supported commander) and mission-supporting agents (supporting commanders) for each approved target. The TASKORD also directs the MPAs and mission-supporting agents to begin mission planning. Concurrently, the SO J2 collection manager submits a request through JWICS through the JFC collection manager to the theater JIC, requesting a complete TIP on each approved target. The theater JIC transmits these TIPs through JWICS directly to the JFSOCC, MPAs, and mission-supporting agents, normally within 24 hours of receipt of the request but NLT 96 hours before EALT. The FOB S2 section supporting the ISOFAC must have the equipment to produce hard copy TIPs for SFOD use from the electronic products delivered through JWICS. The S2 must make sure the MID maintains connectivity to the joint intelligence community as contingency databases in order to supplement gaps in information.
Step 6 - Conduct Component Mission Planning
6-18. This step corresponds to Phase V (Mission Planning and Force Execution) of the joint targeting cycle. As the MPA, the ARSOTF commander has coordinating authority over designated mission-supporting agents for mission planning. Upon receipt of the JFSOCC TASKORD, the ARSOTF and FOB commanders begin the orders production step of the military decision-making process. The FOB is the focal point of this step.
6-19. The FOB OPCEN director produces an FOB TASKORD and a special operations mission planning folder (SOMPF) for each committed SFOD. He may submit additional RFIs through JWICS to the JFSOCC J2 collection manager and initial mission support requests through the GCCS to the JSOAC, SOTSE, and other mission-supporting agents. The FOB commander isolates the SFOD and issues the TASKORD so the SFOD can begin planning and preparing for its mission.
6-20. The hallmark of the JSOTMPP is the decentralization of mission planning from the MPA staff down to the actual operational elements that will execute the mission. Upon receipt of the FOB TASKORD, the SFOD prepares its own initial estimate. About 1 to 2 hours after the SFOD receives its TASKORD, the FOB commander and staff provide the SFOD a staff mission brief and answer the SFOD’s initial questions. The staff mission brief amplifies and clarifies information in the FOB TASKORD. The staff mission brief includes the detailed mission planning without revealing information that could compromise the higher commander’s operation if revealed to the enemy. For example, an SFOD conducting a mission in a denied area in support of an imminent airborne or amphibious assault should not know D-day or H-hour until that information is absolutely necessary to mission execution. Similarly, an SFOD conducting a deception operation should not know the purpose of the deception and may not even be told that the mission is part of a deception operation.
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6-21. At the end of the mission briefing, the ISOFAC commander and MOC give the SFOD a proposed isolation schedule and a list of requirements already requested and provided for the SFOD. These requirements may include—
• Ranges and other training facilities.
• Rehearsal sites.
• Updated intelligence products and current RFIs.
• Air items, evasion aids, and other mission-peculiar equipment.
• Accompanying supplies.
• Items for emergency resupply.
• Expendable supply items available to supplement the SFOD isolation kit.
6-22. The time and level of supervision an SFOD receives to prepare for a mission depend on the time available, mission complexity, and the degree of SFOD competence. As a doctrinal template, a committed SFOD needs at least 96 hours to accomplish the following tasks in isolation:
• Continue area study and perform IPB of the assigned AO.
• Receive and internalize operational intelligence briefings.
• Receive FOB staff visits, pilot’s briefing, and other mission-specific briefings.
• Develop and rehearse the mission.
• Conduct any specialized mission-peculiar training.
• Request and receive specialized mission-peculiar materiel.
• Resolve legal or policy issues concerning the mission.
• Prepare a written OPORD and a briefback. (See Appendix D for SF mission briefback format.)
• Prepare individual and SFOD equipment for infiltration.
• Get adequate rest and physical training before infiltration.
6-23. The FOB commander (or his authorized deputy) receives the SFOD mission analysis brief 2 to 4 hours after the mission brief and the SFOD concept of operations (CONOPS) brief 12 to 16 hours later. Based on these briefs and more coordination with the mission-supporting agents, the FOB commander may approve or modify the recommended SFOD COA. When the FOB commander selects a COA (not necessarily the SFOD’s recommended COA), the FOB OPCEN director submits an FOB commander’s CONOPS.
The director submits the CONOPS in OPORD format through the GCCS to the ARSOTF OPCEN and the SO J3 for approval, normally NLT 72 hours before EALT. Concurrently, the FOB commander may submit refined mission support requests through the GCCS to the JSOAC and other mission-supporting agents. The JSOAC responds by transmitting mission support confirmations through the GCCS to the SO J3, the SOLE at the JFACC staff, and the ARSOTF and the FOB in time for the SOLE at the JFACC staff to integrate the missions into the JFACC planning cycle.
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Step 7 - Obtain Mission Approval
6-24. When the SO J3 receives the FOB commander’s concept and the joint special operations air component commander’s (JSOACC’s) mission support confirmations, he prepares a decision brief for the JFSOCC, his authorized deputy, or the JFC to approve or modify the concept.
6-25. When the JFSOCC (or JFC) selects a commander’s concept (not necessarily the recommended commander’s concept) for implementation, the SO J3 issues a JFSOCC CONOPS approval. The S3 issues the CONOPS approval through the GCCS to the MPA, mission-supporting agents, and SOLEs, normally NLT 48 hours before the EALT to allow adequate time for theater-level coordination and deconfliction. The SOLE at the JFACC staff uses the information in the CONOPS approval and the JSOAC support confirmation message to integrate the mission into the JFACC air tasking order (ATO) and airspace control order (ACO). The SO LNOs at the JFC and the other components and supported operational HQ use the CONOPS approval to continue the synchronization and deconfliction process at their levels. The ARSOTF and FOB commanders continue mission planning in close coordination with the JSOAC and other mission-supporting agents.
6-26. The FOB commander or his deputy approves the SFOD dress rehearsal, briefback, and written OPORD, normally 18 to 24 hours before the EALT to allow for rest and final preparation. The SFOD should brief a comprehensive plan with primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (PACE) options that facilitate flexible execution as actual circumstances change in the AO. SF commanders must not tie themselves to a rigid plan that depends on split-second timing. They must anticipate the unexpected and remain agile enough to modify their plans as required to achieve higher commanders’ intent.
PHASE VI - EXECUTION
6-27. The JFC execute order (EXORD), ATO, and ACO are published. When the SO J3 confirms that all theater-level coordination and deconfliction of the mission is complete, he obtains the JFSOCC’s approval to issue a JFSOCC EXORD, normally (but not necessarily) 24 to 30 hours before the EALT. Upon receipt of the JFSOCC EXORD, the JSOACC and the ARSOTF commander direct mission execution. The FOB commander deploys the SFOD, directs and supports its activities in the AO, recovers it upon mission completion, and reconstitutes it for future missions. The SFOD deploys into its AO and executes its mission.