When does the development of the Air Operations Directive occur in the air tasking cycle?

The development of the Air Operations Directive occurs during the objective, effects, and guidance stage of the air tasking cycle because this stage is crucial for establishing the overall objectives and desired outcomes of air operations. Within this phase, military planners translate higher-level strategic objectives into actionable tasks. The directive outlines how air power should be applied to achieve these objectives, including required effects and guidance for operations.

This stage is focused on synchronizing the efforts of various air operations to ensure they align with the commander's intent and the overall mission strategy. By clearly articulating the desired effects and providing guidance, the Air Operations Directive serves as a foundational document that informs subsequent planning and execution phases throughout the air tasking cycle.

The other stages mentioned do not focus on the formulation of the directive. For instance, the planning stage refers more to logistical and resource considerations, while the execution stage deals with the real-time conduct of air operations. Likewise, the assessment phase occurs after the execution of operations and aims to evaluate the effectiveness of actions taken against the established objectives, which means it is not involved in the initial development of the directive itself.