Constraints v. Operational Limitations Morning 20 Information Brief MAJ Constance Quinlan 13 October 2015

Constraint Operational Limitation BLUF Constraints and Operational Limitations are important because: Identifying them is part of the planning process They restrict planning options They are confusing because: Two different terms with the same meanings in Army and Joint doctrine (Constraints v. Operational Limitations) Two identical terms with different meanings in Army and Joint doctrine (Constraints v. Constraints)

Constraint Operational Limitation Doctrinal Sources Proponent: JP 5-0 Joint Operations Proponent: FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations

Constraint Operational Limitation Where In the Planning Process MDMP Mission Analysis Step 5 “Determine constraints.” JOPP Mission Analysis Step 4 “Determine and analyze operational limitations.”

Constraint Operational Limitation FM 6-0: “9-38. A restriction placed on the command by a higher command. A constraint dictates an action or inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action of a subordinate commander May also be based on resource limitations within the command.” JP 5-0 (Chapter IV, Section 4. h.): “Actions required or prohibited by higher authority and other restrictions that limit the commander’s freedom of action.” Doctrinal Definitions

Constraint Operational Limitation FM 6-0: Restrictive fire line No fire area Organic fuel transport capacity Environmental characteristics (e.g., number of vehicles able to cross a bridge in a specified time) JP 5-0 (Chapter IV, Section 4. h.): Diplomatic agreements Political/economic conditions in host nation Host nation issues Rules of engagement (ROE) Doctrinal Examples

Constraint Operational Limitation FM 6-0: “9-38. A restriction placed on the command by a higher command. A constraint dictates an action or inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action of a subordinate commander. JP 5-0 (Chapter IV, Section 4. h.): “A constraint is a requirement placed on the command by a higher command that dictates an action, thus restricting freedom of action. A restraint is a requirement placed on the command by a higher command that prohibits an action, thus restricting freedom of action.” Why It’s Confusing

Constraint Operational Limitation (Delbrück) Soldiers with full pack run for two minutes, 1,080 to 1,150 feet Constraint, Operational Limitation (Vicksburg) Davis to Pemberton: Hold Vicksburg Constraint, Constraint (Vicksburg) McClernand’s forces moving along Rodney Road to Port Gibson Constraint, Operational Limitation (WWII) Support British allies in Mediterranean Constraint, Constraint (WWII) Invade Sicily instead of Sardinia/Corsica Constraint, Operational Limitation (Korea) MacArthur prohibited from attacking targets north of Yalu Constraint, Restraint

Constraints v. Operational Limitations Questions and Comments

Constraint Operational Limitation Proponent: JP 5-0 Joint Operations Proponent: FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organization and Operations “A constraint is a restriction placed on the command by a higher command. A constraint dictates an action or inaction, thus restricting the freedom of action of a subordinate commander.”  Identifying is Step 5 of MDMP Mission Analysis  Listed in paragraph 3 of OPLAN/OPORD  May also be based on resource limitations “Operational limitations are actions required or prohibited by higher authority and other restrictions that limit the commander’s freedom of action, such as diplomatic agreements, political and economic conditions in affected countries, and host-nation issues.”  Identifying is Step 4 of JOPP Mission Analysis 1.Constraint - dictates an action 2.Restraint - prohibits an action