Developing a Planning Process Across Organizational Boundaries Dr. Joe DiRenzo LT Fred Bertsch USCG Atlantic Area 18 March 2008

Objectives & Concepts Education Objectives for Standard Operational Planning Process (SOPP): Develop knowledge and comprehension of SOPP in CG planners Prepare and analyze SOPP products and timelines Evaluate and formulate improvements to SOPP Promote collection and analysis of data Organize and manage an operational planning community Concepts: Connect strategic intent to mission execution Incorporation of Effects Based Operations (EBO) Foster an operational planning community Unite diverse communities

CG Planning Issues No formal operational planning existed in CG Planning community consisted of Contingency and Exercise Planners. Mission Planning Guidance consisted of limited direction for select law enforcement missions

CG Planning Issues Diverse communities and missions (Prevention and Response) have different approaches to planning. No connection of strategic intent to operational planning direction and mission execution. Could not translate resource usage to outcomes.

Operational Planning Development and Introduction of new planning process Standard Operational Planning Process Connect strategic intent to mission execution Incorporation of Effects Based Operations Change of emphasis and focus Open up alternatives

Operational Planning Fostering an Operational Planning Community Identifying and Assigning Roles Quarterly Meetings Uniting Diverse Communities Incorporating Prevention and Response into one process Combining Contingency and Operational Planning

Need for Education New Process New Approach Conflicting Ideas and stovepipes New Personnel Organizational Change

Education Efforts Quarterly Meetings Electronic Training Materials Traveling Training Use of outside courses Inclusion in existing courses Development of stand-alone course

Quarterly Meetings Foster community development Participation by Planners, Response, Prevention, etc. Conducts Training of Process and Approach Discusses upcoming stages of Standard Operational Planning Process Effects changes to process for improvement Rotating Locations Brought visibility to different locations Allowed additional personnel to attend

Electronic Training Materials SOPP Microsite Central location for all documents Training Material Briefs for entire process Briefs for products/stages Briefs for lessons learned Tailored material from different levels Instruction and Guide COMDT INST 3240.2 (series) Detailed Process Guide that is flexible

Traveling Training Training available for all levels Subject Matter Experts provide training to lower levels Coordinated training sessions with quarterly planning efforts Lessons Learned Conference Prototype members provide feedback and lesson learned for newly involved members Informational Briefs Presentation of efforts to Accession Points (CG Academy, OSC, etc.) Briefs to senior levels on progress

Outside Courses Effects Based Operations Training Received on-site training from Joint Forces Staff College Joint Forces Staff College Staff members facilitated workshop conference Homeland Security Planners Courses Use of Joint Forces Staff College course to develop operational planners Develops and fosters a planning community

Existing Courses Inclusion of SOPP at the Coast Guard Academy Introduces planning at officer accession points Ensures visibility of process to all officer entering the field Inclusion of Op Planning in PCO/PXO course Ensures perspective commanding officers/executive officers are aware of necessity and importance of Operational Planning. Provides overview of process and requirements. Inclusion of SOPP into other efforts Leadership Development Center, Chiefs Academy, etc.

Stand-alone Course Development in Process Currently expanding Contingency Planning Course to include operation planning Needs to be developed into an individual course Conducting Analysis of training needs and requirements Using knowledge and expertise gained from similar courses and efforts

Results Successfully prototyped a new Standard Operational Planning Process which: can use effects based operation combined prevention and response direction into one document facilitates visibility and communication Fostering an Operational Planning Community Designated personnel assigned roles and responsibility Continual interaction and training efforts Combining Contingency and Operational Planners efforts Leading to an Organizational Change

Questions? Dr. Joe DiRenzo Deputy Operations Planning and Analysis (Axo) (757) 398-6695 LT Fred Bertsch Operations Planning Analyst (Axo) (757) 398-6536