Saudi Arabia has kidnapped a Mexican millionaire of Lebanese descent in retaliation for an editorial he wrote decrying Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Lebanon. The millionaire, whose principal residence is in Mexico, was visiting extended family in Lebanon when he was kidnapped. Although the millionaire is believed to be in a secret location in Riyadh, the Saudis have denied any involvement. The Mexican president has personally pleaded with the U.S. president to help secure the release of this high-profile Mexican citizen as soon as possible, and has made it clear she would not forget it if the United States sided with Saudi Arabia in this matter.
Frame the Desired Environment (Desired End State), and the Problem by employing Operational Design techniques.
You will frame the desired environment (desired end state) and define the problem.
In the context of the provided scenario, frame the desired environment (desired end state). Justify your position(s) in terms of National Strategic Guidance. This framing must be comprehensive, including all pertinent factors and elements, but avoid including digressive or unimportant factors. The desired environment must be framed as a state of being—a “snapshot”—not as a series of actions. As described in the readings, what does the desired environment look like?
Words such as “can, will, should and must” are inappropriate for an End State descriiption but are instead applicable to Lines of Operation and Effort, which will be accomplished next week. Inclusion of “Ways” (e.g., methods describing how one “can, will, should or must” accomplish a task) limits brainstorming and unnecessarily constrains planning efforts at this stage of the Design process.
After comparing and contrasting the current and desired environments, identify obstacles impeding progress toward achieving the desired end state (define the problem).
See JP 5-0 Chapter IV OPERATIONAL DESIGN for an overview of the Operational Design Process.
https://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Doctrine/pubs/jp5_0.pdf?ver=us_fQ_pGS_u65ateysmAng%3d%3d
