Operational Environment

It is a requirement that officers and commanders have a working knowledge of the very complex, ever changing operational environment. If the changes in operational environment in the past 10 years reveal any evidence for what will happen in the next 10 years, the leaders of the United States must remain vigilant of the current operational environment to ensure international security. Over that past 10 years the United States has been engaged in wars with Iraq, Afghanistan and the threat of persistent conflicts in multiple locations around the world. In all accounts, the operational environments are different and multidimensional. My study of Module C111, Operational Environment, has expanded my knowledge and understanding of operational environment trends. With the acquired tools and enhance insight, my understanding of the continual changes in the nature of the threat has broadened. These new skills and knowledge will enhance my problem solving abilities necessary to have success in my duties as a logistical field grade officer over the next 10 years engaging in irregular war, supporting hybrid warriors. This knowledge will enhance my leadership potential in an irregular battle environment that requires hybrid warriors and training.

The definition for Operational Environment according to FM 3-0 is as follows:

Operational Environment is a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commanders now and in the future (JP 3-0) .1

The above definition, operational environment is a complex structure and applicable to both enemy and allies. Operational environment addresses both human and non-human characteristics. The operational environment encompasses the following trends: Globalization, Technology, Demographic changes, Urbanization, Resources demand, Climate change and natural disasters, Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, Failed and failing states. 2 These trends affect the logistical posture in supporting war fighters across the battle field. Each trend listed above can affect the logistical support in many ways.

Technology within a given operational environment can work for or against the local population and United States Forces. If the technology within the operational environment is low and basic infrastructure has not been established, the logistical requirement to support Army units and local population is much greater. The current war in Afghanistan displays this type operational environment with the lack of ports and established road networks. These conditions require more time for delivery or the use of alternate delivery systems. In Iraq the road infrastructure was established but the enemy used these main supply routes to attack our supply trains with improvised explosive devises and vehicle improvised explosive devises. During the Iraq war, Al Qaeda would change their methods as they learned our Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP). With Al Qaeda changing tactic, to counter act the Army's TTPs, changed the operational environment.

The Army has adapted the analysis of operational variables as a tool to assess the operational environment. The six interrelated operational variables are as follows: Political, Military, Economics, Social, Information, Infrastructure and Technology, Physical Environment, Time (PMESII - PT). 3 This tool is used by joint military planners to evaluate the operational environment and to establish the best course, of actions for military commanders. These complex variables not only highlight human characteristics, but also include non-human characteristics. These operational variables are always in a constant state of change. These characteristics can alter the effectiveness to logistically sustain current forces. In Afghanistan, the local physical environment affects not only the delivery systems availability, but also the quantity and diverse logistical support requirements for the new modular Army. This characteristic of operational variable requires logicians to analyze the threat and coordinate with supporting commander