Stage 1 primarily involves which activity?

• A. ATO Dissemination
• B. Objectives and Guidances
• C. Weaponeering
• D. Master Air Attack Planning (MAAP)

Answer: (B)

Stage 1 is about translating higher-level intent into concrete objectives and guiding constraints for the operation. It sets what we aim to achieve and how we’re allowed to operate—defining timelines, rules of engagement, risk tolerance, and target priority. This foundation ensures all later planning steps have a clear purpose and direction. Once the objectives and guidance are set, subsequent steps can align targeting, weaponeering, and the Master Air Attack Plan to those ends, and only after the plan is finalized do we move to dissemination to the forces.