What is a major outcome of the Course of Action Approval step?

The selection of the best course of action is a pivotal outcome of the Course of Action Approval step in the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). This step involves a thorough evaluation of all proposed courses of action (COAs) against established criteria, including criteria for feasibility, acceptability, and suitability. During this phase, decision-makers assess the strengths and weaknesses of each COA, considering the mission and operational environment.

Ultimately, this process leads to identifying the COA that best meets the mission's objectives and aligns with the overarching strategy. Choosing the best COA is essential as it guides subsequent planning efforts and sets the foundation for the operations to be executed. Without this selection, the planning process lacks direction, and the necessary preparations for execution cannot be effectively initiated. Thus, the decision at this stage is crucial for operational success.