be
successfully sustained, and this responsibility effectively
discharged, is the goal of any system of mental training in the
profession of arms (page 114).

On a fundamental basis of earnest thought, mental ability, character,
knowledge, and experience, finally rests the soundness of decision.

OUTLINE FORM OF AN OPERATION PLAN

TITLES OF THE
SUPERIOR ECHELONS,
File Notations TITLE OF THE FORCE,
SECRET (or CONFIDENTIAL) NAME OF SHIP, Flagship.

Operation Plan PLACE OF ISSUE,
No. ---- Date and hour of issue.

TASK ORGANIZATION.

(a) Task Force Title, Rank and name of its commander. Composition
of Task Force.

(b) (Similarly enumerate other Task Forces after appropriate
letter (b), (c), etc.)

1. Information. Information of enemy and own forces affecting
the Plan and needed by subordinate commanders. If no
further information is available, the statement "No
further information" is inserted. Distinction is made
between matters of conjecture and of fact. If desired,
indicate the tasks and general objectives of higher
echelons and of coordinate forces of the commander's
echelon, and of other forces of the command, not listed in
the Task Organization. If desired, include general
measures prescribed by the immediate superior for
cooperation and security.

Assumptions. Statement of the assumptions upon which the
Plan is based. Assumptions are things taken for granted as
the basis for action.

2. The general plan for the whole force actually under the
command of the officer issuing the Plan, and, if desired,
the methods of executing it, and its purpose. If
additional matter is needed to convey clearly the will and
intent of the commander, such matter may be added.

3. (a) Title of Task Force (a), followed by a statement of the
principal task, other tasks, and detailed instructions for
the particular Task Force. Tasks may be stated, if
preferred, in chronological order. Include directions as to
cooperation, security, and intelligence activities.

(b) Title of Task Force (b), followed by a subparagraph of
simila