Objective vs Decisive Point

Joint: The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal toward which every operation is directed.

Joint and Army- ADRP 3-0 -> see JP 5-0: A geographic place, specific key event, critical factor, or function that when acted upon allows commanders to gain a marked advantage over an adversary or contribute materially to achieving success.

Army- ADRP 5-0- A physical (enemy force or terrain feature) or conceptual in the form of a goal (rule of law established). In the physical sense, an objective is a location on the ground used to orient operations, phase operations facilitate change of direction and provide for unity of effort (FM 3-90)

Objectives provide the basis for determining tasks to subordinate units. The most important objective forms the basis for developing the decisive operation. ADRP 5-0

BLUF: Objective is the commander’s goal (not endstate), Decisive Point is a point in time or space that gives the commander an advantage over the enemy working towards the goal.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlBys93yzLY

NATO AJP-01: Decisive Point. A point from which a hostile or friendly center of gravity can bethreatened. This point may exist in time, space or the information environment.

NATO AJP -01: What you must achieve to attain a desired endstate.

Objective Decisive Point

During operations emphasizing stability tasks, decisive points may be less tangible & more closely associated with important events , conditions, and typically are relate to the human dimension of the problem. ADRP 3-07

Stability Examples include— Securing national borders. Repairing a vital water treatment facility. Obtaining the political support from key tribal

leaders for a transitional authority. Establishing a training academy for national

security forces. Quantifiably reducing crime.