Foreword

Chapter 1. The Nature of Planning

Planning and Plans Defined
—The Value of Planning
— Categories of Military Planning
—Planning Takes Many Forms
—Planning as Command and Control
—The Functions of Planning and Plans
—Types of Plans
—Uncertainty and Time: Planning for an Unknowable Future
—Complexity: The Limits of Foresight and Design
—Planning Misused
—Conclusion

Chapter 2. Planning Theory

The Planning Proces
—Analysis and Synthesis
—The Planning Hierarchy
—Modes of Planning
—Planning Parameters: Detail and Horizon
—Decision and Execution Planning
—Deliberate and Rapid Planning
—Forward and Reverse Planning
—Components of a Plan
—Tight and Loose Coupling
—Simplicity and Complexity
—Conclusion

Chapter 3. Planning Effectively

Planning in Maneuver Warfare
—Situational Factors
— Simple Plans
—Loose, Modular Plans
—Adaptive, Flexible Plans
—Timely Plans
—Planning in Time
—Planning as Shaping
—Continuous, Evolutionary Planning
—Participatory Planning
—Commanders and Planners
—Plans and Orders
—Conclusion

Notes