Military Decision Making Process BriefMDMP *
MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS
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COA DEVELOPMENT
EXECUTION
COA DEVELOPMENT/ ANALYSIS
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a. Concept of operation (when available). Assembly area locations (If applicable, when available).
b. Tasks to maneuver units (when available).
(1) Reconnaissance.
(2) Surveillance
(2) Security
d. Coordinating instructions.
(2) Orders group meeting (attendees, location, and time) (when applicable).
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Special equipment.
RANK (Commander’s rank)
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Output
Input
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Cdr’s Intent / Guidance
Facts & Assumptions
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The commander’s intent is a clear, concise statement of what the force must do to succeed with respect to the enemy and the terrain, and the desired end state. It provides the link between the mission and the concept of operations by stating the key tasks that, along with the mission, are the basis for subordinates to exercise initiative when unanticipated opportunities arise or when the original concept of operations no longer applies. Intent is normally expressed in four or five sentences and is mandatory for all orders. The mission and the commander’s intent must be understood two echelons down.
Definition of
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Key tasks
End state
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Tasks that must be performed, or conditions that must be met, to achieve stated purpose of the operation
Not tied to specific course of action, but fundamental to the force’s success
Subordinates use these tasks to keep their efforts supporting the commander’s intent
Examples
Tempo
Duration
Effect on the enemy
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Mission
At 112130JUL97, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to PL VIRGINIA to defeat the 61 BDE (MTZD) and establish a covering force NLT 120600JUL97 from PL ALABAMA to PL MAINE to protect CORPS assembly areas. On order, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to PL FLORIDA to defeat the remaining enemy forces. On order, defends in sector from PL ILLINOIS to PL VIRGINIA to defeat enemy attacks across the international border.
Commander's Intent
I want to rapidly defeat the remaining enemy forces in zone to PL ALABAMA to establish a covering force. The covering force will protect the division until we are prepared for combat and facilitate the forward passage of the heavy brigades, allowing the heavy brigades to rapidly defeat enemy forces in zone to PL FLORIDA, and posture the division to destroy any enemy counterattacks across the international border. End state is the international border restored and the division defending in sector along PL FLORIDA prepared to defeat any enemy attacks across the international border.
Example Commander’s Intent
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Specify COAs, friendly & enemy, and the priority for addressing them
The CCIR
Reconnaissance guidance
Risk guidance
Deception guidance
Additional specific priorities for CS and CSS
Other information the Cdr wants the staff to consider
The time plan
Military Decision Making Process
FM 101-5 pg 5-10
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(CCIR)
Identifies critical decisions
Helps filter information available to the commander
Focuses the efforts of subordinates and staff
Assists in the allocation of resources
Assists staff officers in making recommendations
10 or less items of information
Directly affects the success or failure of the mission
FM 101-5 pg 5-7
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(CCIR)
PIR - Information about the enemy. Example: Are the 14 TMD and 13 ID DAGs located vicinity NAI 17 (CH 4535) and NAI 14 (CH3736) respectively? LTIOV: 252300JUL97
EEFI - Information needed to protect friendly forces from the enemy’s information-gathering systems. Example: Location of brigade command posts.
FFIR - Information about the capabilities of own or adjacent units. Example: First contact with enemy.
Combat power below designated level.
FM 101-5 pg 5-8
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MISSION ANALYSIS
Prepare terrain sketches
Conduct mission analysis
Brief commander and staff
Issue guidance
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(continued)
Conduct war-game session
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Restated Mission
- Assign Headquarters
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Suitability
Feasibility
Acceptability
Distinguishability
Completeness
FM 101-5 pg 5-11
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42
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJ’s will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tm’s in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Main CP will position vic PL NEVADA prior to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective.
PL IOWA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
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PL NEBRASKA
Course of Action: On order, BDE defends from PL FLORIDA to PL NEVADA with two task forces abreast to defeat the advance
guard and lead battalions; a task force in depth, the defeat mechanism, will counter attack to defeat the enemy. Forward battalions
establish screen from PL WISCONSIN to PL FLORIDA. The tank heavy task force establishes a combat outpost in TONG’DUCH
to engage enemy reconnaissance and force deployment of the Advanced Guard Battalion. Indirect fires neutralize Advance Guard in
security zone. A tank heavy task force, main effort, in the east defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat the advance
guard and first echelon battalion. An infantry battalion in the west defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat a first
echelon battalion. A mech heavy task force occupies AA SCABBARD; on order main effort counterattacks into EA DALLAS or
EA AUSTIN to defeat the second echelon battalion. Priority of fires to main effort battalion. Use blocking obstacles to shape EA DALLAS
or EA AUSTIN once enemy main effort is identified, to support mech heavy TF’s CATK. A mech team, brigade reserve, occupies
AA HILT, prepared to defeat penetrations of PL NEBRASKA or respond to level II rear area threats. DS and R artillery with Q36 radar
positioned forward between PL FLORIDA and PL IOWA. Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to defeat penetrations of
PL NEBRASKA.
PL IOWA
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42
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJ’s will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tm’s in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Main CP will position vic PL NEVADA prior to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective.
PL IOWA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
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COA Stmts / Sketches
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Continually assess COA feasibility, acceptability, and suitability
Avoid drawing premature conclusions and gathering facts to support such conclusions
Compare COAs during comparison process: Not during war game
Course of Action Analysis
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Determine evaluation criteria
Select the war game method (avenue/belt/box)
Select method to record and display results (synch matrix or sketch note)
War game the battle and assess the results
Course of Action Analysis War Gaming Steps
FM 101-5 pg 5-17
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Identification of key terrain
Refinement of task organization
Allocation of combat, CS and CSS assets to subordinates
The synchronization matrix and decision support template
Estimate duration of each critical event / entire operation
Projection of enemy force destruction
Identification of location and commitment of reserve
Course of Action Analysis
FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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Identify likely times and areas for enemy use of WMD and friendly NBC requirements
Most dangerous enemy COA
Identify additional critical events
Requirements for deception and surprise
Refined C2 requirements
Finalize R&S plan
Refined CCIR and incorporate into R&S plan and graphics
Course of Action Analysis
FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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Identify / confirm DPs / NAIs, TAIs
Timing of force concentration & initiation of the attack or counterattack
Develop the intel collection and dissemination plan
Determine movement times and tables
Identify, analyze, and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the COA
Integrate targeting process
Course of Action Analysis
FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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Output
Input
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Make recommendation
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clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there
would be a hell of a lot of noise but no music.
To get harmony in the music, each instrument
must support the others, to get harmony in
battle, each weapon must support the others.
Team play wins.”
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“There is a type of staff officer who seems to think that it is more important to draft immaculate orders than to get out a reasonably well-worded order in time for action to be taken before the situation changes or the opportunity passes.”
Orders
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Course of Action Approval
Warning Order 3
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Authoritative expression
Positive expression
FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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Coordination
Flexibility
Centralized planning
Decentralized execution
FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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Approved COA
Orders Production
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Reference: CALL Newsletter 95-12, DEC 95, Tactical Decision Making: Abbreviated Planning
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CDR
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Using intelligence tools/products properly
Providing adequate commander’s guidance
Intent
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MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS