Which MDMP step involves COA analysis?

Which MDMP step involves COA analysis?

• A. COA analysis
• B. COA development
• C. Mission analysis
• D. Orders production

Answer: (A)

In the MDMP, analyzing the proposed Courses of Action is the step dedicated to evaluating each COA for feasibility, suitability, and acceptability, while also assessing risks, resources, and potential weaknesses. This analysis often includes wargaming and refinement to test how the COAs would perform in the operational environment and to identify gaps that need adjustment. This is why COA analysis is the best fit—the focus is on evaluating and shaping the COAs before comparing and selecting them. COA development, by contrast, is about creating multiple COAs to begin with, not evaluating them. Mission analysis is the earlier work of understanding the situation and problem, and orders production comes after a COA is selected and approved to translate it into actionable orders.

In the MDMP, analyzing the proposed Courses of Action is the step dedicated to evaluating each COA for feasibility, suitability, and acceptability, while also assessing risks, resources, and potential weaknesses. This analysis often includes wargaming and refinement to test how the COAs would perform in the operational environment and to identify gaps that need adjustment. This is why COA analysis is the best fit—the focus is on evaluating and shaping the COAs before comparing and selecting them.

COA development, by contrast, is about creating multiple COAs to begin with, not evaluating them. Mission analysis is the earlier work of understanding the situation and problem, and orders production comes after a COA is selected and approved to translate it into actionable orders.