text: Chapter 1
  * Assess options for assuming risk.
  Table 1-3. Operational and fire support considerations for operational approach
  Operational and fire support considerations
  Operational approach
  (not all inclusive)
  Defeating enemy forces in detail. Armed conflict implies the • Understand enemy functions, capabilities, and
  need to defeat enemy forces. Defeat is to render a force echelonment.
  incapable of achieving its objectives (ADP 3-0). When used
  • Target systems (IADS, IFC, Sustainment) as opposed to
  as a task or effect in operations, defeat provides the
  large formations.
  commander maximum flexibility to accomplish the mission.
  Senior leaders assign defeat as a task when the situation is • Understand enemy critical capabilities and critical
  still developing, or when the commander on the ground, by vulnerabilities to create windows of opportunity and
  virtue of experience and proximity to the problem, is relative advantage.
  uniquely capable of deciding how to employ lethal force to • Leverage all available assets (Joint/Multinational/National)
  accomplish objectives. across all domains.
  • Ensure immediate availability of FS system to supported
  commander.
  Defeat mechanism is a method through which friendly • Defeat mechanisms:
  forces accomplish their mission against enemy opposition
   Destroy is a tactical mission task that physically
  (ADP 3-0). Army forces at all echelons commonly use
  renders an enemy force combat-ineffective until
  combinations of the four defeat mechanisms. Applying more
  reconstituted (FM 3-90).
  than one defeat mechanism simultaneously creates multiple
  dilemmas for enemy forces and complementary and  Dislocate is to employ forces to obtain significant
  reinforcing effects not attainable with a single mechanism. positional advantage in one or more domains,
  Commanders may have an overarching defeat mechanism rendering the enemy’s dispositions less valuable,
  or combination of mechanisms that accomplish the mission, perhaps even irrelevant (FM 3-0).
  with supporting defeat mechanisms for components of an  Isolate is to separate a force from its sources of
  enemy formation or warfighting system. Defeat mechanisms support in order to reduce its effectiveness and
  can guide the subordinate development of tactical tasks, increase its vulnerability to defeat (ADP 3-0).
  purposes, and effects in operations, facilitating control and
   Disintegrate is to disrupt the enemy’s command and
  initiative.
  control, degrading the synchronization and cohesion
  of its operations (FM 3-0).
  • Use assessments to confirm or deny if targeting is
  meeting desired effects and adjust, as necessary.
  • Utilize entirety of FS system to achieve commander’s
  intent.
  A stability mechanism is the primary method through which • Stability Mechanisms.
  friendly forces affect civilians in order to attain conditions
   Compel refers to using, or threatening to use, lethal
  that support establishing a lasting, stable peace (ADP 3-0).
  force to establish control and dominance, affect
  As with defeat mechanisms, combinations of stability
  behavioral change, or enforce compliance with
  mechanisms produce complementary and reinforcing effects
  mandates, agreements, or civil authority.
  that accomplish the mission more effectively than single
  mechanisms.  Control involves imposing civil order.
   Influence refers to altering the opinions, attitudes, and
  ultimately the behavior of foreign, friendly, neutral, and
  threat audiences through messages, presence, and
  actions.
   Support establishes, reinforces, or sets the conditions
  necessary for the instruments of national power to
  function effectively.
  • Effectively utilize nonlethal effects through multiple
  domains to account for civil considerations and to
  consolidate gains.
  • Use FSCMs to account for civil considerations (NFA,
  RFA).
  • Perform IPOE to better understand the complexity of OE.
  • Clearly define MOP/MOEs to gauge success and inform
  decision making.