PLO 4- The Security Environment

Question 1

What is RAFT?

Answer 1

A simplified approach to systems theory, designed to help quickly analyze and visualize complex operational environments. Useful in the early stages of planning.

Relationships
Actors
Functions
Tensions

Question 2

Define relationships in RAFT.

Answer 2

The connections or links between actors.

Question 3

Define actors in RAFT.

Answer 3

The entities (e.g., organizations, groups, or individuals) involved in the environment.

Question 4

Define functions in RAFT.

Answer 4

The roles or activities that actors perform (typically verbs like “supply,” “control,” or “feed”).

Question 5

Define tensions in RAFT.

Answer 5

The nature of the relationships or functions (“strong,” “positive,” “negative,” or “adversarial”)

Question 6

How do you define threats in the OE?

Answer 6

Entities or actors that possess the capability and intent to harm or challenge the interests, objectives, or security of the US or its allies.

Question 7

How do you define challenges in the OE?

Answer 7

Difficulties or obstacles that hinder the achievement of objectives or complicate operations. (e.g.-adversaries, environmental conditions, or political constraints.)

Question 8

How do you define opportunities in the OE?

Answer 8

Favorable conditions or situations that can be leveraged to achieve objectives or gain advantages over adversaries.

Question 9

How do you define risk in the OE?

Answer 9

The probability and consequence of an event that could negatively impact the achievement of objectives. (e.g.- evaluating potential threats/vulnerabilities to determine the level of risk in a courses of action.

Question 10

What is the 5 step risk management process?

Answer 10

1. ID hazards
2. Assess hazards
3. Develop controls and make risk decisions
4. Implement controls
5. Supervise and evaluate

Question 11

What are some analytical frameworks you can use to analyze the OE?

Answer 11

1. IPOE (Intelligence preparation of the OE)
2. PMESII-PT (Operational variables)
3. OAKOC (terrain)
4. ASCOPE (civil considerations)
5. METT-TC(I) (mission variables)

Question 12

What does OAKOC stand for?

Answer 12

1. Observation & fields of fire
2. Avenues of approach
3. Key terrain
4. Obstacles
5. Cover & concealment

Terrain analysis framework

Question 13

What does ASCOPE stand for?

Answer 13

1. Areas
2. Structures
3. Capabilities
4. Organizations
5. People
6. Events

Civil considerations framework

Question 14

What does PMESII-PT stand for?

Answer 14

1. Political
2. Military
3. Economic
4. Social
5. Information
6. Infrastructure
7. Physical Environment
8. Time

Helps understand strategic and operational context of OE.

Question 15

What does METT-TC(I) stand for?

Answer 15

1. Mission
2. Enemy
3. Terrain & Weather
4. Troops & Support Available
5. Time Available
6. Civil Considerations
7. Information

Helps understand specifics of the mission.

Question 16

What is Army Design Methodology?

Answer 16

Used for complex or ill-defined problems at the operational/strategic level.

Design includes:
1. Framing the Operational Environment
2. Framing the Problem
3. Developing an Operational Approach

Question 17

What are running estimates?

Answer 17

A running estimate is each WfF’s living, constantly updated assessment of:

1. The situation
2. How it affects their functional area
3. What it means for mission accomplishment
4. Recommended actions for the commander

Question 18

What is the purpose of mission analysis?

Answer 18

To help commanders make informed, timely decisions by maintaining an up-to-date understanding of the situation.

Question 19

What are the three legs of the nuclear triad?

Answer 19

1. ICBMs (land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles)
2. SSBNs (BM submarines)
3. Strategic Bombers

Question 20

What do the 3 legs of the nuclear triad provide?

Answer 20

The three legs provide:

1. Survivability (submarines)
2. Responsiveness (ICBMs)
3. Flexibility (bombers)
4. Redundancy to deter any nuclear attack

Together, they create a deterrence system designed to prevent nuclear aggression by guaranteeing a devastating retaliatory capability.

Question 21

Who are enemy state actors with nuclear weapons?

Answer 21

1. China
2. Russia
3. North Korea

Question 22

What are the responsibilities of the CCDR?

Answer 22

Performance of mission:
1. Preparedness of command
2. Produce plans to execute NSS and contingencies
3. Deter conflict
4. Command Forces

Question 23

What are the authorities of the CCDR?

Answer 23

1. Direction to subordinate command
2. Prescribe chain of command
3. Organize command and forces
4. Employ forces
5. Delegate command functions to subordinates
6. Admin, support, discipline
7. Select subordinate commanders and staff

Question 24

What is the strategic security environment?

Answer 24

The global and regional system in which states, non-state actors, and institutions compete and cooperate

Characterized by:

-Great power competition,

-Persistent interaction below armed conflict,

-Rapid technological change,

-Interdependence across political, military, economic, informational, and social domains.

Question 25

What are the characteristics of competition below armed conflict?

Answer 25

In competition below armed conflict, adversaries seek strategic advantage without crossing thresholds that trigger war. Power is applied incrementally to reshape the environment, not to defeat forces. -Ambiguous, incremental actions -Designed to avoid triggering decisive response -Employs: Information operations Economic coercion Lawfare Maritime militia / proxies Cyber disruption -Success is measured in: Shaping perceptions Eroding legitimacy

Question 26

What does PRC coercion / GZA do?

Answer 26

Undermine confidence, Erode access, Normalize control, Avoid decisive response.

Question 27

What is strategic power?

Answer 27

The ability to influence the behavior of other actors to achieve national objectives It derives from: -Military capability and credibility -Economic leverage -Diplomatic legitimacy -Informational influence

Question 28

What are the instruments of national power?

Answer 28

Diplomatic – legitimacy, coalitions, access Informational – narratives, perception, legitimacy Military – presence, capability, coercion, denial Economic – trade, sanctions, infrastructure, industry

Question 29

How is military power used in DIME?

Answer 29

Strategic power is generated through the coordinated application of all instruments of national power. Military power is most effective when it reinforces diplomatic legitimacy, economic resilience, and informational credibility. Military action must reinforce, not undermine, other instruments. In competition, military power is often supporting, not supported.