Methodology for long term defence planning

The purpose of this report is to present one of the viewpoints on methodology for long term defence planning (LTDP). The report can be a basis for further work on this complex issue and also used as a framework for conducting LTDP. The presented methodology treats many various issues relevant for understanding of LTDP: the definition and the purpose of LTDP, different approaches, variables in LTDP and the planning process. The relatively detailed description of the LTDP process is the most significant part of this methodology. Long term defence planning is a complex, multi-stage, iterative process. The main stages defined in this report are: 1. Political Guidance Analysis 2. Environmental Assessment 3. Mission Analysis 4. Planning Situations Development 5. Capability Requirements Determination 6. Capability Assessment 7. Options Development 8. Solution Selection Long term defence planning is never just a technical procedure. That is also a highly political process that needs to be discussed in political terms.