jp3_12r

Planning and Coordination
of operations and compare them to their initial vision and intent. Based on their assessment,
commanders adjust operations to ensure objectives are met and the military end state is
achieved. Appendix D, “Assessment,” of JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, describes the
assessment process in detail. Additional assessment process information can be found in
Appendix F, “The Assessment Process,” of JP 3-60, Joint Targeting.
For more information on BDA and munitions effectiveness assessment, see JP 3-60, Joint
Targeting, and Defense Intelligence Agency Publication DI-2820-4-03, Battle Damage
Assessment (BDA) Quick Guide.
(1) Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs). MOEs are used to assess changes in system
behavior, capability, or the OE. They measure the attainment of an end state, achievement of
an objective, or creation of an effect. When expressed quantitatively, MOEs generally
reflect a trend or show progress toward a measurable threshold. While MOEs may be harder
to derive than measures of performance (MOPs) for a discrete task, they are nonetheless
essential to effective assessment.
(2) MOPs. MOPs are criteria for measuring task performance or accomplishment.
MOPs are generally quantitative, and are used in most aspects of combat assessment, which
typically seeks specific, quantitative data or a direct observation of an event to determine
accomplishment of tactical tasks.
For more information on assessment, see JP 5-0, Joint Operation Planning, and JP 3-60,
Joint Targeting. Each publication describes the assessment process in detail and includes an
appendix on the subject.
b. Assessment of CO at the Operational Level
(1) The operational level planner is concerned with the accumulation of tactical
effects into an overall operational effect. At the operational level, objectives and desired
effects are developed by the JFC’s staff and are used to develop tasks to subordinates.
Subordinate staffs use the assigned tasks to develop tactical-level objectives, tasks,
subordinate targeting objectives and effects, and plan tactical actions and MOPs/MOEs for
those actions. Tactical actions typically must combine with other tactical actions to create
operational level effects; however, they can have operational or strategic implications.
Usually the summation of tactical actions in an operational theater will be used to conduct an
operational level assessment which in turn supports the strategic level assessment (as
required).
(2) Operational MOPs/MOEs avoid tactical information overload by providing
commanders a shorthand method of tracking tactical actions and maintaining SA. MOPs and
MOEs must be clearly definable and measurable, should be selected to support and enhance
the commander’s decision process, and guide future actions toward achieving objectives and
end states.
(3) CO are a recent addition in the development of operational level
MOPs/MOEs. In some cases, activities in cyberspace alone will have operational level
effects; for example, the use of a cyberspace attack to bring down or corrupt the adversary
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