Tenets of Unified Land Operations (ULO)

3-66. Tenets of operations are desirable attributes that should be built into all plans and operations and are directly related to the Army’s operational concept (ADP 1-01). The tenets are interrelated and mutually supporting. Tenets of unified land operations describe the Army’s approach to generating and applying combat power across the range of military operations during decisive action. An operation is a military action, consisting of two or more related tactical actions designed to accomplish a strategic objective in whole or in part. A tactical action is a battle or engagement employing lethal and nonlethal actions designed for a specific purpose relative to the enemy, the terrain, friendly forces, or other entities. Operations can include an attack to seize a piece of terrain or destroy an enemy unit, the defense of a population, and the training of other militaries to enable security forces as part of building partner capacity. In the homeland, Army forces apply the tenets of operations when supporting civil authorities to save lives, alleviate suffering, and protect property. Army operations are characterized by four tenets:

• Simultaneity.
• Depth.
• Synchronization.
• Flexibility.

SIMULTANEITY

3-67. Simultaneity is the execution of related and mutually supporting tasks at the same time across multiple locations and domains. Army forces operating simultaneously across the air, land, maritime, space, and cyberspace domains presents dilemmas to adversaries and enemies, while reassuring allies and influencing neutrals. The simultaneous application of joint and combined arms capabilities across the range of military operations overwhelms the enemy physically and psychologically. Simultaneity requires creating shared understanding and purpose through collaboration with all elements of the friendly force. Commanders synchronize the employment of capabilities while balancing tempo against sustainment capacity to produce simultaneous results.

DEPTH

3-68. Depth is the extension of operations in time, space, or purpose to achieve definitive results. Army forces engage enemy forces throughout their depth, preventing the effective employment of reserves and disrupting command and control, logistics, and other capabilities not in direct contact with friendly forces. Operations in depth can disrupt the enemy’s decision cycle. They contribute to protection by destroying enemy capabilities before enemy forces can use them. Empowering subordinates to act with initiative decentralizes decision making and increases tempo to achieve greater depth during operations.

3-69. Cyberspace operations, space-based capabilities, and psychological operations provide opportunities to engage adversaries and enemies across the depth of their formations. Each have planning considerations with regard to timing, authorities, and effects relative to physical actions in the land domain that should be factored into friendly courses of action.

SYNCHRONIZATION

3-70. Synchronization is the arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose to produce maximum relative combat power at a decisive place and time (JP 2-0). Synchronization is not the same as simultaneity; it is the ability to execute multiple related and mutually supporting tasks in different locations at the same time. These actions produce greater effects than executing each in isolation. For example, synchronization of information collection, obstacles, direct fires, and indirect fires results in the destruction of enemy formations during a defense. When conducting an offensive operation, synchronizing forces along multiple lines of operations forces enemy forces to distribute their capabilities instead of massing them.

3-71. Information networks and commander’s intent enable synchronization. Networks facilitate situational awareness and rapid communication. Subordinate and adjacent units use their understanding of the commander’s intent to synchronize their actions with other units without direct control from higher echelon headquarters. Neither networks nor commander’s intent guarantee synchronization, but when used together they provide a powerful tool for leaders to synchronize their efforts.

3-72. Commanders determine the degree of control necessary to synchronize their operations. They balance synchronization with agility and initiative, but they never surrender the initiative for the sake of synchronization. Excessive synchronization can lead to too much control, which limits the initiative of subordinates and undermines mission command.

FLEXIBILITY

3-73. Flexibility is the employment of a versatile mix of capabilities, formations, and equipment for conducting operations. Commanders must be able to adapt to conditions as they change and employ forces in a variety of ways. Flexibility facilitates collaborative planning and decentralized execution. Leaders learn from experience (their own and that of others) and apply new knowledge to each situation. Flexible plans help units adapt quickly to changing circumstances in operations.

3-74. Flexibility and innovation are essential elements of any successful operation, and they are products of creative and adaptive leaders. Army forces continuously adapt as operational environments change across the range of military operations. Flexibility is a critical ingredient of mission analysis, plans, and operations.