MILITARY PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS INSTRUCTOR CPT REINHARD

PURPOSE To define the 7 steps of the Military Problem Solving Process To describe some of the Road Blocks to problem solving

REFERENCES FM 22-100 Army Leadership FM 101-5 Staff Organization and Operations (Chapter 5)

OUTLINE Problem Solving Steps Practical Exercise Road Blocks to Problem Solving Summary Conclusion

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS 1. Recognize And Define The Problem 2. Gather Facts And Make Assumptions 3. Define End States And Establish Criteria 4. Develop Possible Solutions 5. Analyze And Compare Possible Solutions 6. Select And Implement Solution 7. Analyze Solution For Effectiveness

#1 WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? What must be done?

#2 FACTS & ASSUMPTIONS Facts- Statements about the problem known to be true or there is positive proof. Assumptions- Statement used to replace necessary but missing or unknown facts.

#3 DEFINE END STATE AND ESTABLISH CRITERIA End States identify goals and objectives Criteria Selection- used to gather valid solution Evaluation- used to compare solutions

#4 DEVELOP POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Brain Storming Mind Mapping

#5 ANALYZE AND COMPARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Use predetermined evaluation criteria Go back to “Facts and Assumptions” or “Establish Criteria” if necessary

#6 SELECT AND IMPLEMENT THE BEST SOLUTION Make the decision Acceptable, Feasible, and Suitable

#7 ANALYZE SOLUTION FOR EFFECTIVENESS May take time AAR If it works, pass it on!

PRACTICAL EXERCISE

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS 1. Recognize And Define The Problem 2. Gather Facts And Make Assumptions 3. Define End States And Establish Criteria 4. Develop Possible Solutions 5. Analyze And Compare Possible Solutions 6. Select And Implement Solution 7. Analyze Solution For Effectiveness

ROAD BLOCKS TO PROBLEM SOLVING Fear Of Failure Tunnel Vision Over Seriousness Over Certainty Binding Customs Fear Of The Unknown Command Pressure

ROAD BLOCKS TO PROBLEM SOLVING (cont.) FAILURE TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM FAILURE TO TALK WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM LACK OF ADEQUATE INFORMATION TO MAKE VALID ASSUMPTIONS NOT IDENTIFYING ALL OF THE PLAYERS NOT SPECIFYING THE DESIRED ENDSTATE

SUMMARY Problem Solving Steps Practical Exercise Road Blocks to Problem Solving

QUESTIONS?

CONCLUSION The goal is to have high-quality, acceptable decisions made in combat and training situations. The Military Problem Solving Process helps leaders face complex problems in situations where information might be limited.