Macroscopic C2 Process Mechanism: Revision and Application of the PREA Loop

This study revises the conceptual framework of the PREA loop and clarifies the relationships among its four stages in terms of situational information, decision-making, and action. As the fog of war gradually dissipates, the four stages rely on four types of situational information: Projected Situation, Near-Future Situation, Real-Time Situation, and Evolving Process Situation. Correspondingly, the stages employ intent-based deliberate decision-making, contingency-plan-based prudent decision-making, rule-based rapid decision-making, and effects-based transition decision-making. From the perspective of operational thinking, the process involves pre-designing, structuring, controlling, and assessing the situation. Assessment may lead to three transitions: continued execution with adjustments to tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) when the plan remains effective; a return to Readiness to adjust contingency plans and force dispositions when execution fails but the operational decision remains valid; or a return to Plan to revise the operational decision or mission when the decision or disposition is no longer viable. Compared with the classical OODA loop, the PREA loop emphasizes the continuity, stability, and adaptability of C2 processes in macro-level operational systems rather than speed and intervention alone. The distinction between the PREA and OODA loops reflects not only different C2 processes at the macro and micro scales but also different traditions of operational thought.