What key output comes from the Course of Action Approval step?

The selected Course of Action (COA) for execution is the key output of the Course of Action Approval step because this stage is focused on evaluating the proposed COAs developed during the MDMP process. The approval step involves critical assessments of each COA, considering their feasibility, acceptability, suitability, and other operational factors.

The process leads to a decision on which COA best aligns with the mission objectives and available resources. This chosen COA is then approved for implementation, serving as the blueprint for subsequent planning and execution activities. Once the COA is selected, it is essential for guiding the next steps, including detailed planning and coordination among units involved in the operation.

While other options like a detailed planning document, reports on potential risks, and summaries of intelligence gathered contribute to the overall knowledge base and readiness for planning, they are not direct outputs of the Course of Action Approval step. Instead, they may be outputs of earlier or subsequent steps in the MDMP process.