Abstract
The failure of the Russians in the beginning of the Ukrainian conflict in 2022, amid faulty assumptions, has brought to the fore a less popular topic in the literature on operational planning, namely the influence of one’s own biases on the outcome of the process. Uncertainty, which is part of the nature of warfare, makes it impossible to predict exactly how events will unfold. For this reason, most of the operational planning products are based on assumptions. They are the result of the thought processes of those involved in the process and are therefore subject to human error. The ability to see things from different perspectives and to accept constructive criticism can go a long way towards confirming or invalidating these assumptions and thus increasing the chances of operational success. In this context, employing a qualitative research approach, the article brings the concept of ‘Red Teaming’ to the attention of Romanian military commanders and planners in order to ensure an optimal framework for operational planning and decision-making. Through documentary analysis, multidisciplinary examination, and comparative analysis research methods, the main objective of this article was to provide a thorough understanding the concept of ‘Red Teaming’ and its potential benefits, and to develop a practical framework that enhances decision-making by reducing planning errors. The study’s findings offer valuable insights and practical applications for military commanders throughout the operations planning process, highlighting the role of critical thinking in reducing planning errors and improving decision-making.