1. PHASING AND TRANSITIONS
PHASE: ADRP 3-0
4-41: Is a planning and execution tool used to divide an operation in duration or activity.
Change in phase usually involves:
Change of Mission
Task Organization
Rules of Engagement
Phasing may be indicated by:
Time
Distance
Terrain
Event
The ability of Army forces to extend operations in time and space, coupled with a desire to dictate tempo, often presents commanders with more objectives and decisive points than the force can engage simultaneously. This may require sequencing operations.
Commanders combine simultaneous and sequential tasks of an operation to establish the end state conditions.
TRANSITIONS: ADRP 3-0
4-45: Mark a change of focus between phases or between the ongoing operation and execution of a branch or sequel.
PHASING A JOINT OPERATION: JP 3-0
CH V, SEC B: Is a definitive stage of an operation or campaign during which a large portion of the forces and capabilities are involved in similar or mutually supporting activities for a common purpose.
Phasing, which can be used in any operation regardless of size, helps the JFC organize large operations by integrating and synchronizing subordinate operations.
Phasing are distinct in time, space, and/or purpose of one another, but must be planned in support of each other and should represent a natural progression and subdivision of the campaign or operation.(JP 5-0 CH3,B).
As a general rule, the phasing of the campaign or operation should be conceived in condition-driven rather than time-driven terms.
The challenge for planners is to reconcile the reality of time-oriented deployment of forces and sustainment with the event-driven phasing of operations.
Effective phasing must address how the joint force will avoid reaching a culminating point. If resources are insufficient to sustain the force until achieving the end state, planners should consider phasing the campaign or operation to account for necessary operational pauses between phases.
SEQUENCING ACTIONS AND PHASING: ADRP 5-0
2-100: Part of the art of planning is determining the sequence of actions that best accomplishes the mission.
2-101: Ideally, commanders plan to accomplish the mission with simultaneous actions throughout the area of operations. However, resource constraints and the friendly force’s size may hinder the commanders’ ability to do this.
TRANSITION JP 3-0
CHV, SEC B , Para d: A Transition marks a change of focus between phases or between the ongoing operations and execution of a branch or sequel