What usually drives the transition to a new phase?

The transition to a new phase in operations is typically driven by specific events that occur during the course of operations. These events can include significant combat engagements, changes in the enemy's strategy, successful completion of objectives, or the arrival of new intelligence that warrants a shift in tactics or strategy.

Events serve as tangible markers that indicate the need to reassess the current operational phase and decide the best course of action moving forward. This is particularly important in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly, necessitating a quick and effective response to maintain operational effectiveness.

While other factors like time, supplies, and resources can indeed influence planning and execution, they are generally secondary to the impact of decisive events. A new phase is most often warranted when an event indicates that the current approach is no longer viable or effective, requiring immediate adjustment to achieve the mission objectives. Thus, identifying and responding to relevant events is crucial in joint air operations planning.