2-100. The mission statement, commander’s intent, and concept of operations are key components of a plan that serve as the framework for an operation. Commanders ensure their mission and commander’s intent nest with those of their higher headquarters. While the commander’s intent focuses on the end state, the concept of operations focuses on the way or sequence of actions by which the force will achieve the end state. The concept of operations expands on the mission statement and commander’s intent. Within the concept of operations, commanders establish objectives as intermediate goals toward achieving the operation’s end state.