The Operations Process

FM 5-0 (C1), The Operations Process, constitutes the Army's view on planning, preparing, executing, and assessing operations. It describes how commanders-supported by their staffs, subordinate commanders, and other military and civilian partners-exercise mission command during the conduct of full spectrum operations. It describes how design assists commanders with understanding complex problems and developing an operational approach to solve or manage those problems throughout the conduct of operations. This manual applies to all Army forces. The principal audience for this manual is Army commanders and unit staffs (officers, noncommissioned officers, and Soldiers). Commanders and staffs of Army headquarters serving as a joint task force or a multinational headquarters should also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine for the exercise of command and control. Trainers and educators throughout the Army also use this manual.