During planning, how can a commander ensure effective decision-making regarding enemy movements?

The most effective way for a commander to ensure sound decision-making regarding enemy movements is by establishing commander's critical information requirements. This process involves identifying the specific information that is essential for making informed decisions during planning and operations. By defining these requirements, the commander focuses efforts on gathering the most relevant and timely intelligence that can directly impact operational success.

When commander's critical information requirements are clearly established, it guides the information collection efforts, ensuring that the decision-making process is based on accurate and pertinent data about the enemy’s movements, capabilities, and intentions. This, in turn, enhances situational awareness and allows for agile responses to changes in the battlefield environment.

While identifying potential allies, gathering intelligence on enemy positions, and coordinating with external agencies are all important components of military planning, they serve as supporting actions that contribute to the overall understanding of the operational environment rather than directly focusing the decision-making framework on the most critical needs of the commander.