L7: OP160 MDMP Step 3

Question 1

Purpose of Course of Action Development

Answer 1

• generates options for subsequent analysis and comparison
• allows the staff to compare options in order to satisfy the CO’s intent and planning guidance
• allows varying combinations of the elements of operational art, such as phasing, lines of effort, and tempo
• Planners convert the approved COA into the Concept of Operations*

Question 2

What is a Course of Action (COA)

Answer 2

a broad potential solution to an identified problem

Question 3

Screening criteria for COA development

Answer 3

• Feasible (can accomplish mission w/n established time, space, resource limitations)
• Acceptable (must balance cost and risk with advantage gained)
• Suitable (can accomplish the mission w/n the CO’s intent and planning guidance)
• Distinguishable (each COA must differ significantly from the others)
• Complete

Question 4

For a COA to be COMPLETE, it must show:

Answer 4

1. how the decisive operation accomplishes the mission
2. how shaping operations create and preserve conditions for success
3. how ustaining operations enable shaping and decisive operations
4. How to account for decisive action tasks
5. Tasks to be performed and conditions to be achieved

Question 5

COA development consists of 8 actions:

Answer 5

1. Assess relative combat power
2. Generate options
3. Array forces
4. Develop a broad concept
5. Assign headquarters
6. Prepare COA statements and sketches
7. Conduct COA briefing
8. Select or modify COAs for continued analysis

Question 6

combat power

Answer 6

the total means of destructive, constructive, and information capabilities that a military unit can apply at a given time

Question 7

how do planners estimate combat power?

Answer 7

Planners make a rough estimate of force ratios of maneuver units 2 levels below their echelon

Question 8

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Answer 8

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