In the context of operational planning, what is described as a natural progression of a campaign?

In operational planning, the term that describes a natural progression of a campaign is phases. Phases represent distinct segments of a campaign that help to organize and facilitate military operations over time. Each phase typically has specific objectives, strategies, and desired outcomes, allowing planners to systematically follow a sequence of events that builds upon each stage.

The idea of phases acknowledges that campaigns are complex and often require a gradual approach to achieve overarching goals. By breaking down a campaign into phases, planners can assess progress, allocate resources effectively, adjust plans as necessary, and ensure that each step logically leads to the next. This structured approach is critical for maintaining clarity and focus throughout the execution of military operations.

Courses of action refer to the various options available to planners for executing a mission but do not specifically denote a natural progression sequence. Strategies indicate the overarching plans for achieving objectives but are broader in scope and do not necessarily reflect a step-by-step approach. Mission objectives are specific goals set for an operation but do not convey the idea of progression inherent in a phased approach. Therefore, recognizing phases as the natural progression of a campaign is essential for effective operational planning.