What is the purpose of Operational Art in military operations?

The purpose of Operational Art in military operations is fundamentally about the strategic application of military forces to achieve a set of desired end states through a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment. This involves planning and directing campaigns and major operations to realize the national military objectives. Envisioning the conditions that define the desired end state allows military leaders to effectively integrate and synchronize various elements of power – land, air, maritime, and cyber capabilities – to achieve overarching goals.

Operational Art serves as a bridge between strategy and tactics, ensuring that tactical actions are aligned with broader strategic objectives. By carefully defining and envisioning the end state, commanders can craft operational plans that will lead to successful outcomes in a complex and dynamic environment. This vision is critical to anticipating enemy actions, optimizing the use of resources, and managing risk throughout the operation, thereby enabling the overall military strategy to be successfully executed.