Which of the following is NOT an element of operational design?

Operational design is a crucial process in military planning that shapes how operations are conducted to achieve strategic objectives. The elements typically associated with operational design include defining the military end state, establishing phasing to organize actions over time, and identifying decisive points which are critical to achieving success in operations.

The concept of “Military End State” refers to the desired outcome of a military operation, framing the strategic objective that guides all efforts. “Phasing” involves arranging operations into a sequence or stages, allowing for systematic execution and adjustments as the situation develops. “Decisive Points” are specific instances during an operation where a key action must be taken to achieve a significant effect or impact on the enemy, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently.

In contrast, “Personal Motivation” does not fit into the framework of operational design. It pertains more to individual psychological factors rather than the systematic approach to planning military operations. This distinction highlights why personal motivations are not an element of operational design; they are not concerned with strategic or operational outcomes but rather with individual soldier factors, which may influence behavior but are not foundational to operational planning.