Which statement accurately describes how types of planning relate?

• A. Functional and detailed planning.
• B. Operational planning.
• C. Conceptual planning feeds into functional and detailed planning.
• D. Strategic planning.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that planning flows from broad concepts to concrete actions. Conceptual planning sets the overall approach, intent, and how the mission might be accomplished. From that concept, functional planning translates the idea into major capability requirements and how different functions work together, and detailed planning then nails down specific tasks, sequencing, resources, and timelines. This progression ensures coherence across levels—the lower-level plans are grounded in the overarching concept.

Other options don’t describe this directional flow. Focusing only on functional and detailed planning doesn’t explain how they’re defined by a preceding concept. Operational planning is a level or type itself, not the relationship between planning types. Strategic planning sits at a higher level and doesn’t describe how the lower levels are informed by a preceding concept.