CGSC/ILE COMP STUDY GUIDE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS NEWLY MODIFIED
2025/2026 LATEST
Three operational frameworks --ANSWER--Decisive-Shaping-Sustaining.
Deep-Close-Security. Main Effort-Supporting Effort.
What is IPB? --ANSWER--the systematic process of analyzing of METT-TC in
the AI to determine their effect on operations.
What is JIPOE? --ANSWER--a systematic approach used by intelligence
personnel to analyze the adversary and other relevant aspects of the operational
environment.
The 4 Steps to IPB --ANSWER--1) Define the OE. 2) Describe the
Environmental Effects on Operations. 3) Evaluate the Threat. 4) Determine
Threat/Adversary COAs.
Characteristics of the Defense --ANSWER--Disruption, Flexibility, Maneuver,
Mass/Concentration, Operations in Depth, Preparation, Security
Primary Defensive Tasks --ANSWER--Area Defense, Mobile Defense,
Retrograde
Page 1 of 68
,Leadership --ANSWER--The Army defines leadership as "the process of
influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to
accomplish the mission, and improve the organization." Within this definition,
leaders influence the organization through positional and personal power in
order to achieve compliance and commitment.
Clausewitz Trinity --ANSWER--Reason (the government), chance (the
military), and passion (the people)
Concept of friction in war --ANSWER--Danger, physical effort, and ambigous
information
Center of Gravity (doctrine) --ANSWER--The source of power that provides
moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act.
Center of Gravity (theory) --ANSWER--The hub of all power and movement,
on which everything depends; The CoG's movement and direction govern the
rest.
The purpose of CoG Analysis --ANSWER--Help JFCs and staffs analyze
friendly and adversary sources of strength as well as weaknesses and
vulnerabilities.
Page 2 of 68
,Operational Art --ANSWER--A deliberate process designed to Understand and
Visualize the Environment in order to develop a strategy. It is a vision that links
tactical actions to strategic objectives.
Operational Methodology --ANSWER--Understand the strategic direction.
Understand the OE. Understand the problem.
Operational Design --ANSWER--the conception and construction of the
intellectual framework that underpins joint operations plans and their
subsequent execution?
What is Operational Art? --ANSWER--Operational Art is used to envision
conditions that define the desired end state and how to establish those
conditions. it helps CDRs to understand, visualize, and describe complex
problems and develop a broad operational approach. it syncs our tactical actions
with strategic objectives.
What are the 12 principles of Joint Operations? --ANSWER--Objective
Offensive Mass Maneuver Economy of Force Unity of Command Security
Surprise Simplicity Restraint Perseverance Legitimacy
What is the PPBE Process? --ANSWER--It is the primary system to manage the
Army's financial systems. Its purpose is to provide civilian control and strategic
direction to DOD and the US Army.
Page 3 of 68
, What are the 4 steps in the Material Acquisition Process? --ANSWER--1) Initial
Capabilities Document (ICD)
2) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)
3) Capabilities Development Document (CDD)
4) Capabilities Production Document (CPD)
What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive doctrine? --
ANSWER--Prescriptive doctrine must be followed to comply with law,
common language, control measures, reports, while descriptive doctrine leaders
should apply judgement with the OE and mission variables in mind and deviate
when need and justified.
What are the elements of the ethical triangle? --ANSWER--Principles: Act in
accordance with the established values and principles. Virtues: Golden Rule; Do
unto others as you would have them do to you. Consequences: Do the greatest
good for the greatest number.
What are the 5 Phases of the Army Force Development Process? --ANSWER--
1) Develop Capabilities 2) Design Organizations 3) Develop Organizational
Models 4) Determine Authorizations 5) Document Organization Authorizations
Commander's Planning Guidance --ANSWER--Describe the OE. Describe the
problem. Describe the operational approach. Give the CDR's Initial Intent.
Page 4 of 68
AND CORRECT ANSWERS NEWLY MODIFIED
2025/2026 LATEST
Three operational frameworks --ANSWER--Decisive-Shaping-Sustaining.
Deep-Close-Security. Main Effort-Supporting Effort.
What is IPB? --ANSWER--the systematic process of analyzing of METT-TC in
the AI to determine their effect on operations.
What is JIPOE? --ANSWER--a systematic approach used by intelligence
personnel to analyze the adversary and other relevant aspects of the operational
environment.
The 4 Steps to IPB --ANSWER--1) Define the OE. 2) Describe the
Environmental Effects on Operations. 3) Evaluate the Threat. 4) Determine
Threat/Adversary COAs.
Characteristics of the Defense --ANSWER--Disruption, Flexibility, Maneuver,
Mass/Concentration, Operations in Depth, Preparation, Security
Primary Defensive Tasks --ANSWER--Area Defense, Mobile Defense,
Retrograde
Page 1 of 68
,Leadership --ANSWER--The Army defines leadership as "the process of
influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to
accomplish the mission, and improve the organization." Within this definition,
leaders influence the organization through positional and personal power in
order to achieve compliance and commitment.
Clausewitz Trinity --ANSWER--Reason (the government), chance (the
military), and passion (the people)
Concept of friction in war --ANSWER--Danger, physical effort, and ambigous
information
Center of Gravity (doctrine) --ANSWER--The source of power that provides
moral or physical strength, freedom of action, or will to act.
Center of Gravity (theory) --ANSWER--The hub of all power and movement,
on which everything depends; The CoG's movement and direction govern the
rest.
The purpose of CoG Analysis --ANSWER--Help JFCs and staffs analyze
friendly and adversary sources of strength as well as weaknesses and
vulnerabilities.
Page 2 of 68
,Operational Art --ANSWER--A deliberate process designed to Understand and
Visualize the Environment in order to develop a strategy. It is a vision that links
tactical actions to strategic objectives.
Operational Methodology --ANSWER--Understand the strategic direction.
Understand the OE. Understand the problem.
Operational Design --ANSWER--the conception and construction of the
intellectual framework that underpins joint operations plans and their
subsequent execution?
What is Operational Art? --ANSWER--Operational Art is used to envision
conditions that define the desired end state and how to establish those
conditions. it helps CDRs to understand, visualize, and describe complex
problems and develop a broad operational approach. it syncs our tactical actions
with strategic objectives.
What are the 12 principles of Joint Operations? --ANSWER--Objective
Offensive Mass Maneuver Economy of Force Unity of Command Security
Surprise Simplicity Restraint Perseverance Legitimacy
What is the PPBE Process? --ANSWER--It is the primary system to manage the
Army's financial systems. Its purpose is to provide civilian control and strategic
direction to DOD and the US Army.
Page 3 of 68
, What are the 4 steps in the Material Acquisition Process? --ANSWER--1) Initial
Capabilities Document (ICD)
2) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA)
3) Capabilities Development Document (CDD)
4) Capabilities Production Document (CPD)
What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive doctrine? --
ANSWER--Prescriptive doctrine must be followed to comply with law,
common language, control measures, reports, while descriptive doctrine leaders
should apply judgement with the OE and mission variables in mind and deviate
when need and justified.
What are the elements of the ethical triangle? --ANSWER--Principles: Act in
accordance with the established values and principles. Virtues: Golden Rule; Do
unto others as you would have them do to you. Consequences: Do the greatest
good for the greatest number.
What are the 5 Phases of the Army Force Development Process? --ANSWER--
1) Develop Capabilities 2) Design Organizations 3) Develop Organizational
Models 4) Determine Authorizations 5) Document Organization Authorizations
Commander's Planning Guidance --ANSWER--Describe the OE. Describe the
problem. Describe the operational approach. Give the CDR's Initial Intent.
Page 4 of 68
