Frequently Asked Questions about the C4 Planning Process

Q: Where can I find the correct format for an Annex K?

A: The Annex K format can be found in the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System, (JOPES) Volume II (CJCSM 3122.03) manual. You may also find an abbreviated format on this site at the following link
Annex K Format

Q: What level of detail should be included in my C2 Annex?

A: This is one of the more difficult questions to address, there are so many underlying factors; mission, objectives, training state, equipment readiness, and so on. Our experience leads us to make the following assumption- there is no such thing as too much detail. Joint operations are extremely complex, leaving anything to chance is an
extremely risky venture, anything you have to discuss during the planning process needs to be included in your plan. Of course the Golden Rule of planning applies to everything. "There are no Gentlemen's Agreements, if it's not written down and specifically tasked to someone it means nothing."

Q: Where can I find the correct format for an Appendix to my Annex K?

A: Like the Annex K format, the format for Appendices can also be found in the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System, (JOPES) Volume II (CJCSM 3122.03) manual.

Q: What level of information should I include in the Tabs and Exhibits to my Annex K?

A: The tabs and exhibits are generally where detailed technical drawings, crew assignment forms, configuration cut sheets, etc., are depicted. The JOPES Vol I and II will provide some background data on this, as well as some examples to follow. As a rule of thumb, Tabs and Exhibits are used to display data that is not easily described verbally. I. E. Trying to define circuit connectivity is almost impossible to do without a circuit diagram.

Q: Where can I find a good source of data to develop an Annex K for my unit?

A: Most units maintain a historical record of exercise data; Lessons Learned, Annex K files, Tabs, Exhibits, etc.,
are all generally available from the files of most units. A word of caution here, much of the data you can dig out of historical files will be valid, however, many Annex K's are simply completed by changing the minimum amount of
data relative to the upcoming exercise. Using a Word Processing Application to complete a global search for the old exercise name, replacing it with the current exercise name, is not a way to develop an Annex K. Unfortunately, this happens all to often, use the file data to assist you in developing your Annex, however, don't try to recycle entire segments of an older Annex K without carefully reviewing the content. Annex K's are mission specific, objective based documents, designed to support the Commander, they are many things to many different units but they don't come as "One size fits all" documents.

Q: Okay, I've reviewed the JOPES data and understand the format for my documents. Where do I start?

A: Annex K development, certainly Joint Annex K development, is a complicated task, fortunately, there are some documents that will help get you started. It is critical to develop your plan based on the Commander's mission, objectives and the Commander's Intent. Based on the type of plan you are developing (OPLAN, CONPLAN, etc)
you may have several sources of data to refer to. Review of Warning Orders and the Exercise Directives (if applicable) are generally the most productive place to start. These documents will define what is happening, direct
or imply a basic course of action, and provide additional data that can help you make a preliminary assessment of
the situation. Standing Plans, Standard Operating Procedures, Deployment Guidelines, etc., are also excellent sources of information, though this type of data is more meaningful after you begin the detailed planning process.

Q: What are some of the more common things I need to know to start developing the plan?

A: While each planning cycle present some unique challenges, there are some items that must be considered each time you begin planning:

• Mission- What are we doing, how do we intend to do it, how does the C4 structure support the mission?
• Objectives- What are the objectives of the exercise or operation? How does the C4 structure impact accomplishing the Objectives?
• Commander's Intent- What is the Commander's intent? How can I best provide Command and Control to support the Commander's Intent?
• Force Structure- Who is committed? What C4 assets are available based on Force Structure?
• Tactical Area of Responsibility- Where are we going, how will we get there and what is terrain and weather expected to be like in Theater?
• Information demands to support the Commander- Some items relative to Command and Control are almost a given, Out of Theater Connections, STEP Access, SIPR/NIPR, JWICS, AUTODIN/DMS, GCCS, DSN, DRSN, etc., can generally be counted on as a requirement for every deployment. In addition we must consider any special purpose communications requirement; Host Nation C4 capabilities, Embassy, Consulate, Allied Forces, etc., all require consideration.

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