The Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD): Revised Instruction

Abstract:

All-inclusive attitude of NATO forces assumes that conflict can’t be solved only by military means. This shift from purely soldierly level to political brought around numbers of Alliance activities at Strategical and Operational Commands. The common denominator was the philosophy of complex approach in operational thinking, planning, and implementing NATO activities. As a result the operational SACEUR’s directive GOP was substituted by its revised successor—the so-called Comprehensive Operations Planning Directive (COPD). It is going to be introduced in 2011 and will influence groups and military persons at all levels of warfare, dealing with operational planning and operational art for art’s sake. The article familiarizes readers with this directive (COPD) as a tool for comprehensive approach to operations. The COPD offers more deliberate and inclusive planning procedures that allow for both military and non-military actors broader understanding of operational environment and better cooperation in their common effort.

Jan Spisak, PhD. (Col ret.), born 1958. He graduated from the Land Forces Military College
in Vyškov (1983), Brigade Command Course (2001) and General Staff Course in Brno (2007). Between 1995-2016 he worked in command, staff and teaching positions at the Land forces up to division level, Directorate of Training and Doctrine and the University of Defense. Currently he works as a head of Department of Military Strategic Studies at the Centre for Security and Military-Strategic Studies. He deals with the issues of military art, scenarios of the use of forces and development of military concepts. He is the author and co-author of several monographs and a number of professional articles in domestic and foreign magazines.

 

Country: Czech Republic

17/10/2022

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