Goals and objectives must be developed carefully to ensure that they support accomplishing the planning mission and operational priorities. They should also clearly indicate the desired end state—what is the end product of the planning effort. This helps to ensure unity of effort and consistency of purpose among the multiple departments, agencies, and organizations involved in the planning effort.

Goals are broad, general statements that indicate the intended solution to problems identified in Understand the Situation.

Objectives are more specific and are actions carried out during the execution of the plan