In the United States Army, operational variables and mission variables are two critical concepts that are used to plan and execute Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). According to the US Army doctrine ADP 3-0, operational variables are the "conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander" (p. 5). On the other hand, mission variables, also known as METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain and weather, Troops and support available, Time available, and Civil considerations), are "the key variables that the commander considers when conducting operations" (FM 6-0, p. 1-1). The relationship between operational variables and mission variables is critical because they influence each other and determine how the Army conducts LSCO. The US Army's Field Manual 5-0 states that the operational variables provide a framework for understanding the operational environment and its effect on operations. At the same time, mission variables allow the commander to tailor operations to the specific conditions of the operational environment. Therefore, the Army's ability to understand and integrate both operational and mission variables is essential to successful LSCO. The influence of operational and mission variables on LSCO is evident in the US Army's doctrine ADP 5-0, which outlines the Army's planning process. According to ADP 5-0, the commander's initial assessment of the operational environment includes analyzing the operational variables and mission variables to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Once this assessment is complete, the commander can develop an operational approach that considers both sets of variables and employs the Army's available resources effectively. Furthermore, the US Army's ATP 2-01.3 discusses the use of mission variables and operational variables in offensive and defensive operations, respectively. These manuals emphasize the importance of understanding the enemy's capabilities and intentions, terrain and weather conditions, available troops and support, time available, and civil considerations. Incorporating these variables into the Army's planning and execution processes is essential to achieving tactical and strategic objectives. As a Sergeant Major, it is essential to fully understand the operational variables and mission variables as well as how they influence each other to adequately advise the commander when he is performing his battlefield assessment and planning. Additionally, they are a key resource for initial analysis of data and intelligence provided to potential verify and ensure accuracy and provide the commander with further reassurance as well as to ensure rapid and accurate updates as variables change. These variables play a critical role in how the Army conducts LSCO and the relationship between them is intertwined. Together, their integration is necessary for successful planning and execution. References Department of the Army. (2019). ADP 3-0, Operations. Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN18010-ADP_3-0-000-WEB-2.pdf Department of the Army. (2022). FM 6-0, Commander and Staff Organization and Operations. Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN35404-FM_6-0000-WEB-1.pdf Department of the Army. (2019). ADP 5-0, The Operations Process. Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN18126-ADP_5-0-000-WEB-3.pdf Department of the Army. (2019). ATP 2-01.3, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. Retrieved from https://home.army.mil/wood/application/files/8915/5751/8365/ATP_201.3_Intelligence_Preparation_of_the_Battlefield.pdf
