In MDMP, what is typically addressed during the COA Comparison step?

During the COA Comparison step of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), the primary focus is on assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each Course of Action (COA) presented. This critical evaluation involves analyzing how well each COA meets the established criteria, including suitability, feasibility, acceptability, completeness, and risk. By comparing these aspects, decision-makers can identify which COA is the most effective in addressing the mission’s objectives and understanding potential challenges or vulnerabilities inherent to each option.

This step emphasizes a systematic approach to ensure that all factors are considered and facilitates informed decision-making. It supports the overall goal of selecting the best COA to achieve the mission while allowing leaders to anticipate any potential risks and develop strategies accordingly.

In contrast, reviewing logistical support is more applicable during planning rather than being specifically aligned with the COA Comparison. Forecasting long-term outcomes extends beyond the immediate COA Comparison step, involving future implications and ramifications not addressed at this stage. Finalizing orders for execution comes much later in the decision-making process after the preferred COA has been selected and is a result of preceding steps rather than part of the comparison itself.