4-19. In applying operational art during stability, commanders and their staffs use intellectual tools to help them understand an operational environment as well as visualize and describe their operational approach. An operational approach is a broad description of the mission, operational concepts, tasks, and actions required to accomplish the mission (JP 5-0). The elements of operational art are essential to identifying tasks and objectives that tie stability missions to achieving the desired end state. They help refine and focus the concept of operations forming the basis for developing a detailed plan or order. During execution, commanders and staffs consider the elements of operational art as they assess the situation. They adjust current and future operations and plans as the operation unfolds.