5-6. Planning begins with an analysis and understanding of a specific operational environment filtered through the specific mission, which in turn determines which information elements of the operational variables are carried over and filtered by the mission variables for analysis. A thorough understanding of an operational environment and assigned mission enables the commander and staff to envision a desired end state and broad approach to achieve that end state using the elements of operational art. Through operational art and the principles of joint operations, commanders understand, visualize, and describe the integration and synchronization of the elements of combat power to achieve objectives, attain end state conditions in broad terms, determine an operational approach, and describe their commander’s intent and guidance. Commanders selectively use these tools in any operation. However, the tools’ broadest application applies to long-term operations. The operational approach is determined in part by the combat power available to the commander. It tells the commander what is the potential that can be translated into effects or actions. It is a measure of the total capacity the commander has at his or her disposal. The critical issue here is always to know if the combat power available is adequate to accomplish assigned missions. This is the conceptual stage of planning.