Which statement best describes CONPLAN and OPLAN?

• A. A CONPLAN is a concept-level plan for potential operations; an OPLAN is a fully developed, executable plan with assigned tasks and sequencing.
• B. A CONPLAN is a concept-level plan for potential operations; an OPLAN is a plan used only for exercises.
• C. A CONPLAN is a concept-level plan for potential operations; an OPLAN is a simplified, non-executable plan.
• D. A CONPLAN and OPLAN are interchangeable terms with identical detail.

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is how CONPLAN and OPLAN differ in planning depth and readiness. A CONPLAN is a concept-level plan for potential operations. It outlines the general approach, possible courses of action, and required resources at a high level, but it isn’t fully resourced, timed, or prepared for execution. An OPLAN, by contrast, is a fully developed, executable plan with assigned tasks and sequencing, including time-phased force deployment details and the specifics needed to carry out the operation. It’s ready to be implemented or transitioned into an order for action. This makes the statement describing an OPLAN as executable and detailed the best fit. The idea that an OPLAN is used only for exercises or that it is simplified and non-executable isn’t accurate, and treating CONPLAN and OPLAN as interchangeable ignores the crucial difference in depth and readiness.