What is included in detailed tactical planning, known as CONOPS?

In detailed tactical planning, known as CONOPS (Concept of Operations), the focus is on aligning the operational strategy with the commander's objectives. The inclusion of the commander's intent and scheme of maneuver is crucial, as it provides the guiding principles for how forces will be deployed and engage with potential threats or targets. This ensures that all members of the team have a clear understanding of the overall mission goals and the specific tactics that will be employed to achieve those goals.

The commander's intent outlines what success looks like for the operation, while the scheme of maneuver details the actual plan of action, including deployment strategies and resource allocations. Together, these elements form the backbone of operational planning, enabling teams to execute their tasks efficiently and effectively in dynamic environments.

In contrast, while photos of the environment, individual soldier profiles, and outside agency contacts may have some relevance in supporting operational planning, they do not encapsulate the strategic framework that CONOPS provides. They are more supplementary elements rather than core components that shape the tactical planning process.