Know your A.O.R.
-And know when to be OK with not knowing.
In the military, a commander’s A.O.R. or Area of Responsibility includes three sectors.
The Area of Operations- The area over which they control the application of fire and maneuver. They are responsible for everything that happens or fails to happen in this sector.
The Area of Influence- The area located outside the Area of Operations where the commander is capable of influencing outcomes by applying assets.
The Area of Interest- The geographic area where enemy presence, activities, or information are important to mission objectives. Here, the commander uses reconnaissance assets to answer their information requirements.
For most of my career in the Marines Corps, I was the reconnaissance asset used to answer those questions.
By nature, I am curious and always want to know what is happening outside of the areas I can control or exert influence over. That made me good at my job, but the trait is not always an asset in real life.
Stoicism has these same three areas, but it labels them slightly differently.
The Area of Operations is the things over which we have complete control—Our thoughts and actions.
The Area of Influence is that area in which we can exert some influence through our actions— The thoughts and actions of those we influence.
Stoics, however, strive not to be interested in the area of interest. These are the things over which we have no control.
The Stoics often used the example of a ship at sea, with the ship being the extent of our influence.
We cannot control the water outside of the ship, and that’s fine.
A ship doesn’t sink because of the water outside of it, no matter how deep or rough it is.
It’s only when we let the outside water in the ship that we have to worry.
Tough Rugged Bastards only has 71 reviews on Amazon. I’m trying to get to 1,000 and would appreciate your help.
The more reviews, the more likely it will be recommended to readers. If you have read it, I would appreciate an honest review. Thanks!
By the way, Tough Rugged Bastards is now available on Audible.
On my other, saltier email, Ruck The F*ck Up, I’m preparing for rotator cuff surgery and getting back into the best shape of my life. If you are not as fit as you’d like to be, come on over.
Thanks for reading. Until next week, Keep Walking Point.
John, this breakdown of A.O.R. really resonates—especially how it aligns with the Stoic approach to control and influence. The way you relate military zones to areas we can control or let go of is such a solid reminder to keep perspective in our day-to-day. Life’s ‘waters’ may be rough and deep, but they only become a problem when we let them breach our inner calm. Thanks for putting it into terms that feel both grounded and empowering. Here’s to knowing our areas and staying steady at the helm!
I love this quote “A ship doesn’t sink because of the water outside of it, no matter how deep or rough it is.”
Solid words to live by. Thanks