Describe the steps of operational planning from concept to execution.

• A. Mission analysis and intent; develop concept or COA; compare and select best COA; plan and prepare; execute; assess and adjust.
• B. Define tasks, assign blame, execute, review results.
• C. Create a budget, hire staff, deploy, evaluate.
• D. Plan and ignore analysis; implement immediately.

Answer: (B)

Operational planning from concept to execution follows a structured cycle that moves from purpose to action and back through learning. Start by clarifying the mission and intent, so everyone understands what success looks like and what constraints exist. Then develop a concept or course of action that could achieve that mission. Next, compare the options and select the best COA, weighing feasibility, risk, and acceptability. Once a preferred path is identified, plan and prepare in detail—defining tasks, timelines, and required resources—so execution can be coordinated. Finally, execute while monitoring progress, and use assessment to adjust as needed, feeding lessons learned back into future planning.

This sequence matches the option that includes mission analysis and intent, COA development, COA comparison and selection, planning and preparation, execution, and assessment and adjustment. The other choices omit essential planning steps, focus on activities outside the planning cycle, or introduce inappropriate elements (like assigning blame or skipping analysis) that don’t fit how effective operational planning is conducted.