What is a primary component to gather in the COA Analysis Process?

In the Course of Action (COA) Analysis Process, gathering a list of friendly forces is critical because it provides essential context for understanding the operational environment and the capabilities available to the commander. This information helps in assessing the feasibility and potential effectiveness of various COAs. By knowing what friendly forces are available, the commander can better evaluate how these forces can be integrated into potential plans and how they might interact with enemy forces.

While evaluation criteria, updated assumptions, and higher orders are all important aspects of the planning process, they serve different functions. Evaluation criteria help measure the effectiveness of COAs but do not directly inform the commander's measurable capabilities. Updated assumptions are important for recognizing shifts in the operational landscape. Higher orders provide context for the overall mission but do not highlight specific capabilities of the friendly forces at hand. Hence, assembling a comprehensive list of friendly forces is a foundational element in the analysis and contributes directly to an informed decision-making process.