STEP 4 – Course of action analysis (war-gaming)

Question 1

Step 4 – COA Analysis (Wargaming)

Answer 1

Input = 
•Updated IPB Products
•Updated Running Estimates
•Updated CDR Planning Guidance
•COA Statements and Sketches
•Updated Assumptions

Output =
•Refined COAs
•Decision Support Templates and Matrixes
•Potential Branches and Sequels
•Updated Running Estimates
•Updated Assumptions

Question 2

Course of Action Analysis (Wargaming) defined:

Answer 2

•The COA analysis allows the staff to synchronize the six warfighting functions as well as identify the COA that best accomplishes the mission. It helps the commander and staff to:
–Maximize the effects of combat power while protecting friendly forces and minimizing collateral damage
–Further develop a visualization of the battle
–Anticipate battlefield events
–Determine conditions and resources required for success
–Determine when and where to apply force capabilities
–Identify coordination needed to produce synchronized results
–Determine the most flexible COA

Question 3

COA Wargaming Rules

Answer 3

•The “3” runs it, the “2” plays OPFOR.
•Remain Objective.
•Avoid defending a COA just because you developed it.
•Accurately record advantages and disadvantages.
•Continually assess feasibility, acceptability, and suitability of COAs.
•Avoid drawing premature conclusions.
•Avoid comparing one COA with another during the wargame.
- COA sketches feed WG “script”

Question 4

Wargaming Responsibilities

Answer 4

• G/S1: Estimates personnel battle losses and determines human resources support.
• G/S2: Role plays the enemy CDR. (Goes first)
• G/S3: Selects the wargaming technique and role plays the friendly CDR.
• G/S4: Assesses the sustainment feasibility of each COA.
• G5: assesses warfighting requirements, solutions, and concepts for each COA.
• G/S6: Assess communications feasibility of each COA.
• G/S7: Synchronizes IO and assists the staff in integrating IO into each COA.
• EWO/EW Working Group: Synchronizes EW actions and assist the staff in integrating EW capabilities into each COA.

Question 5

COA Process Actions: 8 Steps

Answer 5

• Gather the tools
• List all friendly forces
• List assumptions
• List known critical events and decision points
• Select the war-gaming method
• Select a technique to record and display results
• Wargame the operation and assess the results
• Conduct a wargaming briefing (optional)

Question 6

Course of Action Analysis (Wargaming) : EWO’s Role

Answer 6

•The EWO and EW working group aim to:
–Analyze each COA from an EW functional perspective
–Recommend any EW task-organization adjustments
–Identify key EW trigger points
–Provide EW data for synchronization matrix
–Recommend EW priority intelligence requirements
–Identify EW supporting tasks to any branches and sequels
–Identify potential EW high-value targets (HVTs)
–Assess EW risks created by: telegraphing intentions, allowing time for enemy to mitigate effects, unintended effects of EA, and impact of asset/capability shortfalls

Question 7

Course of Action Analysis (Wargaming) : EWO products and information

Answer 7

•By the conclusion of COA analysis, the EWO and EW working group generates or gathers the following products and information:
–EW data for the synchronization matrix (execution matrix?)
–EW portion of the branches and sequels
–EW related HVTs
–EW related CCIR
–Risk assessment for EW operations in support of each COA
–Updated EW running estimate