1. MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS

2. Military Decision Making Process
MISSION RECEIVED
CDR ACTIONS
STAFF ACTIONS
INFO TO CDR
INFO TO STAFF
MSN ANALYSIS RESTATED MSN CDR’S GUIDANCE
MISSION ANALYSIS PROPOSED RESTATED MSN
CDR’S
EST
STAFF
EST
COA DEVELOPMENT/ ANALYSIS
COA DEVELOPMENT
COA ANALYSIS, COMPARISON, RECOMMENDATION
COA COMPARISON AND DECISION
PREP PLAN/ ORDER/FRAGO
PLAN/ORDER/ FRAGO APPROVAL
ISSUE PLAN/ ORDER/FRAGO
MSN REC’D BY SUB UNITS
EXECUTION

3. EXECUTION & ASSESSMENT
Military Decision Making Process
RECEIPT OF MISSION
WARNING ORDER
MISSION ANALYSIS
WARNING ORDER
COA DEVELOPMENT
COA ANALYSIS
COA COMPARISON
COA APPROVAL
WARNING ORDER
ORDERS PRODUCTION
REHEARSAL
EXECUTION & ASSESSMENT
FM pg 5-2

4. Military Decision Making Process
WARNING ORDER #__
References:
1. SITUATION
a. Enemy forces.
b. Friendly forces.
(1) Mission
(2) Commander’s Intent
c. Attachments and detachments.
2. MISSION
3. EXECUTION
Intent (when available).
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
c. Tasks to combat support units (when available).
d. Coordinating instructions.
(1) Earliest movement time and degree of notice.
(2) Orders group meeting (attendees, location, and time) (when applicable).
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Special equipment.
b. Transportation.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
ACKNOWLEDGE:
NAME (Commander’s last name)
RANK (Commander’s rank)
OFFICIAL:
ANNEXES:
DISTRIBUTION:
Copy __ of __ Copies
Issuing headquarters
Place of issue
Date-time group of signature
Message reference no.
FM pgs H-27/28

5. Military Decision Making Process
7 Steps
Receipt of mission
Mission analysis
Course of action development
Course of action analysis
Course of action comparison
Course of action approval
Orders production
FM pg 5-3

6. Military Decision Making Process Step 1
Input
Output
Receipt of Mission
Mission of Higher
Cdr’s Initial Guidance
- Initial Assessment
- Update Staff Estimates
- Prepare for Mission Analysis
Warning Order 1
FM pgs 5-3, 5-4

7. Military Decision Making Process Step 2
Input
Output
Mission
Initial IPB Products
Mission Analysis
Restated Mission
Staff Estimates
- Analysis of Higher Msn/Intent
- Identify Specified / Implied Tasks /
Essential Tasks
- Review Task Org / Assets
- Determine Restrictions / Constraints
- Assess Risk
- Identify Critical Facts / Assumptions
Cdr’s Intent / Guidance
Facts & Assumptions
Warning Order 2
Staff Products
Battlefield Framework
Preliminary Movement
FM pgs 5-4, 5-5

8. Definition of Commander’s Intent
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.
FM pg 5-9

9. Intent Statement
Commander’s intent statement should state the following:
Key tasks
End state
FM pg 5-9

10. Key Tasks For Commander’s Intent
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
Terrain that must be controlled
Effect on the enemy
FM pg 5-9

11. Example Commander’s Intent
Mission
At JUL97, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to PL VIRGINIA to defeat the 61 BDE (MTZD) and establish a covering force NLT JUL97 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.

12. Military Decision Making Process
13 Elements of commander’s guidance
Specify COAs, friendly & enemy, and the priority for addressing them
The CCIR
Reconnaissance guidance
Risk guidance
Deception guidance
Fire support guidance
Mobility & countermobility guidance
Security measures to be implemented
Additional specific priorities for CS and CSS
Other information the Cdr wants the staff to consider
The time plan
Type of order to issue
Type of rehearsal to conduct
FM pg 5-10

13. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR)
Supports the commander’s battlefield visualization
Identifies critical decisions
Assists in determining or validating COAs
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 pg 5-7

14. Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (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: JUL97
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 pg 5-8

15. NCOs In The Military Decision Making Process
PLANNING PROCESS
COMMANDER
STAFF OFFICERS
STAFF NCOs
RTOs/CLERKS
MISSION ANALYSIS
Prepare charts for mission analysis
Prepare terrain sketches
Update and post unit reports/status
Prepare TOC for planning process
Conduct mission analysis
Serve as a recorder during process
Brief commander and staff X X X X
COMMANDER’S GUIDANCE
Assist Cdr in developing guidance
Issue guidance
Record/post Cdr’s guidance X X X X
COA DEVELOPMENT
Prepare charts
Sketch COAs
Develop COAs X X X X
FM pg K-2

16. NCOs In The Military Decision Making Process
(continued)
PLANNING PROCESS
COMMANDER
STAFF OFFICERS
STAFF NCOs
RTOs/CLERKS
COA ANALYSIS
Collect and prepare tools/charts
Serve as a war-game recorder
Conduct war-game session X X X X
DECISION
Make recommendation to Cdr
Decide
Record/post Cdr’s guidance X X X X
ORDERS PREP
Write annexes
Consolidate annexes
Type order
Reproduce orders/graphics
Review order
Approve order X X X X
FM pg K-2

17. MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS Workshop #2

18. Military Decision Making Process Step 3
Input
Output
Restated Mission
Course of Action Development
COA Stmts / Sketches
Cdr's Guidance / Intent
- Analyze Relative Combat Power
- Generate Options
- Array Initial Forces
- Develop the Scheme of Maneuver
- Assign Headquarters
- Prepare COA Statements / Sketches
Staff Estimates
Enemy COAs
FM pgs 5-4, 5-11

19. Course of Action Development Criteria
Suitability
Feasibility
Acceptability
Distinguishability
Completeness
FM pg 5-11

20. COA #1
CFL 52 DIV
CFL 52 DIV
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
MAY 97
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
MAY 97 37
OBJ
SABER 42
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
OBJ
BAYONET
PL IOWA
PL IOWA AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA X
52 ID X MNC
3 X 1 03 57
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 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.

21. COA #1
CFL 52 DIV
CFL 52 DIV
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
O/O
O/O
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN) 37 42
TONG’DUCH
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA) X
TAC
PL IOWA
PL IOWA X EA
AUSTIN EA
DALLAS
MAIN AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA AA
HILT X
52 ID X MNC
3 X 1 57 03
PL NEVADA
PL NEVADA
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.

22. COA #1
CFL 52 DIV
CFL 52 DIV
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
MAY 97
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
MAY 97 37
OBJ
SABER 42
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
OBJ
BAYONET
PL IOWA
PL IOWA AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA X
52 ID X MNC
3 X 1 03 57
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 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.

23. MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS Workshop #3

24. Military Decision Making Process Step 4
Input
Output
Enemy COA
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results
COA Stmts / Sketches
- Conduct War Game
Task Organization
Staff COA
Mission to Subordinates
CCIR
FM pgs 5-4, 5-16

25. Course of Action Analysis
War Gaming Rules
Remain unbiased
List advantages and disadvantages (as found)
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
FM pg 5-16

26. Course of Action Analysis War Gaming Steps
Gather the tools
List all friendly forces
List assumptions
List known critical events and decision points
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
FM pg 5-17

27. Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results OF 3
Modified COA
Modified location and timing of the decisive point
Identification of key terrain
Refinement of enemy event template & matrix
Refinement of task organization
Identification of subordinate unit’s tasks
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
FM pgs 5-23, 5-24

28. Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results OF 3
Identify likely times and areas for enemy use of WMD and friendly NBC requirements
Most dangerous enemy COA
Location of commander and CPs
Identify additional critical events
Identify additional CS and CSS requirements
Requirements for deception and surprise
Refined C2 requirements
Finalize CCIR and IR with LTIOV
Finalize R&S plan
Refined CCIR and incorporate into R&S plan and graphics
FM pgs 5-23, 5-24

29. Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results OF 3
Develop FS, Engr, AD, IO, CSS plans and graphics
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
Synchronize smoke
Identify additional risks, develop control measures
FM pgs 5-23, 5-24

30. Military Decision Making Process Step 5
Input
Output
War Game Results
Course of Action Comparison
Decision Matrix
Establish Criteria
- Assess Risk
- Compare COAs
- Recommendation
FM pgs 5-4, 5-24

31. Course of Action Comparison
Select comparison method
Determine decision criteria
Assign weighting values to criteria
Make recommendation
FM pg 5-24

32. MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS Workshop #4

33. “If the band played a piece first with the
piccolo then with the brass horn, then with the
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.”
General George S. Patton

34. Orders
“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.”
BH Liddell Hart
Thoughts on War
1933

35. Military Decision Making Process Step 6
Input
Output
Course of Action Approval
Approved COA
Decision Matrix
Refined Cdr’s Intent
- Select COA
- Assess Risk
- Specify Type of Order
Specified Type of Order /
Rehearsal
High Pay-Off Target List
Warning Order 3
FM pgs 5-4, 5-26

36. OPORD / OPLAN Development Guidelines / Characteristics 1 OF 2
Address critical facts and assumptions
Authoritative expression
Positive expression
Avoiding unqualified directives
Balance
Simplicity
Be concise
Clarity
Completeness
FM pgs H-3, H-4

37. OPORD / OPLAN Development Guidelines / Characteristics 2 OF 2
Coordination
Flexibility
Clear, concise mission and intent statements
Centralized planning
Decentralized execution
Use of existing resources
Timeliness
FM pgs H-3, H-4

38. Military Decision Making Process Step 7
Input
Output
Approved COA
Orders Production
OPORD / OPLAN
- Translate into Plan / Order
- Incorporate Branches and Sequels
- Establish Control Measures
- Synchronize Plan / Order
FM pgs 5-4, 5-26

39. NCOs In TOC OPS TOC FUNCTION XO BATTLE CPT STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS
RECEIVE INFORMATION
Monitor situation
Receive messages/reports
Maintain journal
Update post unit locations
Update status boards/charts X X X X
DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION
Submit reports
Publish orders
Pass messages/reports within TOCs X X X
ANALYZE INFORMATION
Review in/out going reports/orders
Conduct predictive analysis
Identify CCIR
Conduct TDMP
Serve as recorders
Develop terrain Sketches
prepare charts and overlays X X X X
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CDR X X X
INTEGRATE/SYNCH RESOURCES X X
Reference: CALL Newsletter 95-12, DEC 95, Tactical Decision Making: Abbreviated Planning

40. NCO Use NCOs involvement Enforce duties and responsibilities
Battlestaff trained NCOs

41. Military Decision Making Process
Rehearsal
- 5 Types of Rehearsals
- Confirmation Brief
- Backbrief
- Combined Arms Rehearsal
- Support Rehearsal
- Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal
FM pgs 5-2, G-1/2

42. Military Decision Making Process
Execution & Assessment
FM pg 5-2

43. Common Problems In Applying The MDMP
Using intelligence tools/products properly
Forgetting the enemy has a vote
Providing adequate commander’s guidance
Intent
Developing/analyzing courses of action
War-gaming
Presenting information for decision
Format/content
Meeting timeline guidance

44. MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS