Joint Planning Process (JPP), Joint Planning Process for Air (JPPA), and the JATC Process

Joint Air Operations
Professor’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Professor’s Name
Date
Response 1
Based on your assessment, the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and the Joint Planning Process for Air (JPPA) are two different processes used to develop plans for military operations. The JPP is a broader process used at the Joint Force Commander (JFC) level, while the JPPA is a subset of the JPP used at the air component level (Lemay, 2016). Both processes follow the same process outlined in the joint publication. Still, the JPP is used to develop a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) designed to meet a desired end state as part of the Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) cycle. The JPPA, on the other hand, is used by the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) to develop a Joint Air Operations Plan (JAOP), which guides the employment of air capabilities and forces to accomplish missions assigned by the JFC.
The results of the JPPA feed into the overarching JPP to add fidelity to a CONOPS. Eventually, an OPORD or OPLAN could be drafted if the planning is detailed enough. The most significant distinction is that the JPPA produces actionable OPLANs or OPORDs that the JFACC’s staff can use to determine the required amount and composition of Air Force Forces (AFFOR) required to meet the JFC's intent. However, it is important to note that not all units are ready at all times to support OPLANs. The AFFORGEN model specifies that units need time to reset after deployment, then enter a spin-up and preparation phase before being tasked with a follow-on deployment. The added variable of unit availability must be in the calculus of planners because they do not have every Air Force unit at their disposal at all times.
Top of Form
Response 2
I completely agree with your assessment of the importance of the AOD and the ATO in the JATC process. The AOD provides the tactical objectives and goals that drive the JIPTL and Allocation of sorties. At the same time, the ATO is the culmination of that process, providing the execution details for the assigned sorties. Both are essential to the success of the mission. Additionally, the constant updating and "seaming" of the ATO through the AOD, target worksheets, MAAP, and component requirements keep the plan in a living state, always in sync with the JFC's guidance. The JATC process, as outlined in JP 3-30, is an iterative and cyclic process crucial to the mission'...