Which step follows the Course of Action Analysis in MDMP?

After the Course of Action Analysis in the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), the next step is the Course of Action Comparison. This step involves evaluating the various courses of action developed in the previous stages against the criteria established during the analysis. The purpose is to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each COA in a structured manner, allowing decision-makers to assess which COA best accomplishes the mission while considering the potential risks and benefits.

During this comparison, factors such as feasibility, acceptability, suitability, distinguishability, and completeness are analyzed for each course of action. This thorough evaluation helps provide clarity on which COA is the most viable for execution, leading to informed decision-making. This structured process is essential for ensuring that the chosen COA aligns with the commander's intent and operational objectives.

Subsequent to this comparison, the process would typically advance towards selecting one of the COAs and producing orders, making the comparison step critical for effective decision-making.