Effects-Based Operations versus Systemic Operational Design: Is There a Difference?

Abstract : Joint and Air Force doctrinal discussions, at least concerning planning of operations, has recently centered on Effects-Based Operations (EBO). Increasingly there is dissatisfaction with EBO, particularly from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. As an alternative to EBO, some in the military are advocating the adoption of an Israeli planning concept Systemic Operational Design (SOD). After close examination of EBO and SOD, it becomes apparent that SOD is more like EBO, as currently defined, than the SOD advocates have articulated.