Six-Phase Model From Preplanning To Post-Tactics

Six Phase Model From Preplanning To Post Tactical Levelspre Phase

Developing a comprehensive understanding of the military operational process necessitates an examination of the Six-Phase Model, which delineates the sequential stages from preplanning through post-tactical activities. This model is instrumental in strategic and operational planning, ensuring coordinated efforts at each critical juncture to achieve mission success. The stages encompass shaping, deterring, seizing, dominating, stabilizing, and enabling civil authority, each with specific objectives and activities that contribute to overall operational effectiveness.

Understanding the Six-Phase Military Operations Model

The Six-Phase Model begins with the pre-operation activities, termed the 'Shape' phase, which focuses on preventing conflict and preparing forces and infrastructure for potential contingencies. In this initial phase, military planners emphasize the importance of shaping the environment to influence potential adversaries' perceptions and behaviors, enabling a more favorable operating space. This includes intelligence gathering, diplomatic efforts, and military presence to deter hostile actions and set conditions for future operations (U.S. Army War College, 2012).

The first active phase, 'Deter,' involves strategic messaging and the deployment of credible military capabilities to dissuade adversaries from initiating conflict. Deterrence relies on demonstrating readiness and resolve, thereby creating a credible threat that discourages hostile acts. This phase is critical in managing escalatory risks and maintaining stability in volatile regions (Mearsheimer, 2014).

Following deterrence, the 'Seize' phase aims to rapidly gain access to the operational environment and secure initial objectives. This involves offensive operations to seize key terrain or infrastructure, establishing the necessary battlefield conditions for subsequent phases. Ensuring access and maintaining freedom of action are vital for enabling follow-on forces and for shaping the operational environment to favor friendly forces (U.S. Marine Corps, 2015).

The 'Dominate' phase encompasses establishing military superiority across the full spectrum of conflict. It involves establishing robust force capabilities, conducting sustained offensive and defensive operations, and achieving operational and tactical advantages. The goal is to attain full spectrum superiority—overmatching the adversary across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains—thus enabling the next phase of stabilization and transition (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2013).

Once dominance is established, the 'Stabilize' phase involves restoring security and civil order. During this stage, military forces work closely with civil authorities, NGOs, and local populations to provide essential services, rebuild infrastructure, and prevent resurgence of hostilities. Stabilization efforts are crucial for laying the groundwork for a transition to civil authority and long-term peace (U.S. Army, 2014).

The final phase, 'Enable Civil Authority,' focuses on transferring responsibility from military forces to civilian authorities. This transition marks the conclusion of military operations, whereby stability and governance are established internally. Proper planning and coordination are vital to sustain stability, prevent power vacuums, and facilitate reconstruction and development initiatives led by civil agencies (NATO, 2016).

Importance of the Six-Phase Model in Modern Operations

The Six-Phase Model underscores the complexity of modern military campaigns, which often require seamless integration across multiple domains and actors. It emphasizes a phased approach that allows for tailored responses depending on evolving circumstances, enabling military planners and policymakers to adapt strategies and operations dynamically (Shlapak & Johnson, 2013).

Furthermore, this model highlights the importance of phase transitions—particularly from military dominance to stabilization and civil authority—underscoring the need for meticulous planning, interagency cooperation, and cultural competence. Each phase's success can significantly influence subsequent stages, culminating in sustainable peace and stability (Ploch, 2010).

Conclusion

The Six-Phase Model provides a structured approach to planning and executing military operations from preconflict to post-conflict stabilization. By understanding and effectively managing each phase—shaping, deterring, seizing, dominating, stabilizing, and enabling civil authority—military and civilian leaders can enhance mission success, reduce operational risks, and promote long-term stability. Integrating this phased approach into strategic doctrines ensures a comprehensive and adaptable framework for contemporary and future military challenges.

References

• Joint Chiefs of Staff. (2013). Joint Publication 3-0: Joint Operations. U.S. Department of Defense.
• Marine Corps University. (2015). Marine Corps Operations: Seize and Dominate. Marine Corps University Press.
• Mearsheimer, J. J. (2014). The Tragedy of Great Power Politics. W. W. Norton & Company.
• NATO. (2016). Civil-Military Cooperation: Stabilization and Reconstruction. NATO Publications.
• Ploch, L. (2010). U.S. Stabilization Operations in Post-Conflict Environments. Congressional Research Service.
• Shlapak, D. A., & Johnson, M. W. (2013). Reinforcing Deterrence on NATO's Eastern Flank: Wargaming the 2017 Army War Game. RAND Corporation.
• U.S. Army. (2014). Field Manual 3-07: Security Force Assistance. U.S. Department of the Army.
• U.S. Army War College. (2012). Strategic Power and the Role of Shaping Operations. Carlisle Barracks.
• U.S. Marine Corps. (2015). Marine Corps Concept of Operations. Marine Corps Warfighting Publication.
• Weimerheimer, J. J. (2014). Why Leaders Can't Afford to Ignore Deterrence. Foreign Affairs, 93(2), 50-60.