What is primarily assessed during the Course of Action Analysis?

During the Course of Action Analysis phase of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), the primary focus is on assessing the effectiveness of the proposed courses of action (COAs). This phase involves a detailed evaluation of each COA to determine how well it can achieve the mission objectives, taking into consideration various factors such as the operational environment, enemy capabilities, and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of each COA.

Assessing the effectiveness includes looking at potential outcomes, mission success probabilities, and how each COA aligns with the commander's intent. This analysis helps to identify which COA offers the best chance of success while minimizing risks.

Although factors like available resources, risks associated with operations, and logistical support needs are important considerations within the broader context of MDMP, they serve to inform the effectiveness assessment rather than being the primary focus during the Course of Action Analysis. Thus, while these factors may influence the evaluation, the key objective is to understand how effective each proposed COA will be in accomplishing the mission.