Coordinating review authority (CRA)

Definition

The Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) in military operations is a designated authority responsible for coordinating the review of certain classified information. The CRA ensures the information conforms to clearance and access regulations before its dissemination. They also work closely with other authorities to ensure any shared or joint operation information meets proper security guidelines.

Key Takeaways

1. The Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) is a fundamental term in military operations that denotes the authority assigned to review, coordinate, and approve a range of military plans, orders, and other performance-related documents.
2. In its role, the CRA ensures efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across different operations by meticulously reviewing each detail of the plans, considering their potential impacts, evaluating possible tactical options, and ensuring their compatibility with overall strategic objectives.
3. The CRA serves as an essential checkpoint within military structures, enhancing collaborative communication and mutual understanding among different units or departments, and providing a systematic and integrated approach to monitoring and adjusting military operations.

Importance

The term Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) holds significant relevance in military operations because it refers to the entity with the authority to review, coordinate, and approve military operational plans and orders.

It plays a crucial role in ensuring that every operation aligns with higher authority strategies and objectives, legal compliance, and risk to force and mission.

A CRA reduces the possibility of errors or oversights, promotes the smooth execution of operations, and supports overall mission success, particularly during complex military activities and joint operations.

By evaluating potentially conflicting plans or activities, it ensures the efficient use of resources and contributes to the maintenance of unit cohesion and interoperability.

Explanation

The Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) plays a critical role in multi-faceted military operations by ensuring that plans align with overarching goals and guidelines. The CRA’s purpose is primarily to carry out thorough evaluations of operational plans, strategies, and doctrine, assessing their applicability, efficiency, and compliance with the strategic outlook of the military organization.

This ensures that all strategies and tactics are coherent with the general military strategy before actual implementation. A CRA is used extensively to streamline and harmonize different elements within a military context.

It plays an indispensable role in the clearance process, looking into whether all aspects of the operation perform according to the overall desired outcome and if any changes may be needed. By analyzing and reviewing different facets and details of plans and tactics, the CRA ensures that the operation is synergetic and consistent, thereby efficiently using resources and increasing the likelihood of achieving the intended objectives.

Therefore, the CRA is integral to the promotion of efficiency and effectiveness within military operations.

Examples of Coordinating review authority (CRA)

Operation Enduring Freedom: In this United States-led military operation in Afghanistan (2001-2014), multiple nations contributed military assets. The Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) played a substantial role in ensuring that each nation’s military strategy blended seamlessly. The CRA allowed for the continuous review and coordination of the military resources and tactics from various countries, leading to a more consolidated and effective global approach against terrorism.

Operation Inherent Resolve: During the international military intervention against ISIS (2014-present), the CRA was used to coordinate efforts by multiple countries. With the goal of dismantling ISIS, the CRA ensured a cohesive strategy by allowing for review and synchronization of the various approaches taken by different nations.

South Korea-US Military Exercises: The annual joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States are an example of CRA, where both nations orchestrate and review their military assets and strategies to function in a congruent manner. This ensures the maximum military readiness and strategic alignment between the two nations, in case of any potential threat from North Korea.

FAQs On Coordinating Review Authority (CRA)

What is a Coordinating Review Authority (CRA)?

A Coordinating Review Authority (CRA) is a specific designation given within the military operations structure which grants an individual or entity the authority to review and coordinate on proposed actions, plans, or protocols. This role ensures the validity and accuracy of plans from all the possible dimensions of military operations.

Who can be designated as a CRA?

A CRA can be an individual officer, a unit, or a department, depending upon the requirements of the operation. The designation is generally given to experienced and qualified personnel who have detailed understanding of the various facets of military operations.

What are the duties of a CRA?

The major role of a CRA is to review, amend, approve, or disapprove operation plans based on feasibility, correctness, and compliance with higher command guidelines. They work in concert with other operational planning teams or entities to ensure that all plans are coordinated and validated appropriately.

Does the role of CRA differ in different military operations?

Yes, the role of CRA can vary depending upon the nature, size and scope of the military operation. However, the core responsibility of reviewing and coordinating plans remains constant across all varieties of operations.

What actions can a CRA take if a plan is not suitable?

If a plan is found to be unsuitable or not up to standard, the CRA has the authority to request modifications, suggest alternative strategies or completely disapprove the plan if necessary. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that only validated and feasible plans are executed in the operation.

Related Military Operation Terms

• Appeal process
• Benefit eligibility
• Veteran’s claims
• Rating decision
• Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Sources for More Information

Sure, here are sources where you can find information about the military term “Coordinating review authority (CRA)”:

• The Joint Chiefs of Staff: Official site of the highest-ranking military personnel in the United States Armed Forces.
• U.S. Department of Defense: The official website of the United States Department of Defense which provides official, timely and accurate information about defense policies and organizations.
• U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services: This committee oversees our nation’s military, including the Department of Defense, military research and development, nuclear energy (as pertaining to national security), benefits for members of the military, the Selective Service System, and other matters related to defense policy.
• Defense Acquisition University: Defense Acquisition University is a corporate university of the United States Department of Defense offering coursework in field pertaining to defense acquisitions, including extensive information on defense policy and procedures.