Joint Special Operations University Joint Operation Planning Process (JOPP) Course of Action (COA) Decision Brief Format This Briefing is: UNCLASSIFIED Operational Studies Department JSOWC-SOPC UNCLASSIFIED

COA Decision Brief JP 5-0 Aug 2011 (IV-41) Purpose of the briefing Opposing situation Strength Composition Location and disposition Reinforcements Logistics Time and space factors Combat efficiency Friendly situation Mission Statement Commanders intent statement d.

COA Decision Brief (Con’t) JP 5-0 Aug 2011 (IV-41) Operational concepts and COAs Any change from mission analysis in the following areas Assumptions Limitations Adversary and friendly COGs Phasing of the operation (if phased) Lines of operations/lines of effort Present COA. As a minimum, discuss: COA#___ (short names) COA statement (brief concept of the operation) COA architecture Task Organization Command Relationships Organization of the operational area Major differences between each COA Summaries of COA d.

COA Decision Brief (Con’t) JP 5-0 Aug 2011 (IV-41) COA analysis Review of the JPG wargaming effort Add considerations from own experiences COA Comparisons Description of the comparison criteria and comparison methodology Weigh strengths and weaknesses with respect to comparison criteria COA recommendations Staff Components

Opposing Situation Strength Composition Location and disposition Reinforcements Logistics Time and space factors Combat efficiency

Opposing Situation Strength Composition Location and disposition

Opposing Situation (Con’t) Reinforcements Logistics Time and space factors Combat efficiency

Friendly Situation & Mission Statement

Commanders Intent Statement PJ 5-0, IV-26 Purpose Method End state JP5-0 states there is no set format but gives 2 examples

Commanders Intent Statement JP 5-0, III-17 Purpose End state Operational risk Jp5-0 Gives two possible formats

Operational Concepts and COAs Any change from mission analysis in the following areas: Assumptions Limitations Adversary and friendly COGs Phasing of the operation (if phased) Lines of operations/lines of effort

Present COAs. As a minimum, discuss COA# (short names) COA statement (brief concept of the operation) COA sketch COA architecture Task Organization Command Relationships Organization of the operational area Major differences between each COA Summaries of COA

COA #1 COA statement (brief concept of the operation using sketch) COA# 1 (short name) COA statement (brief concept of the operation using sketch)

COA #1 Architecture Task Organization

COA #1 Architecture Command Relationships

COA #1 Architecture Organization of AO

COA #2 COA statement (brief concept of the operation using sketch) COA# 1 (short name) COA statement (brief concept of the operation using sketch)

COA #2 Architecture Task Organization

COA #2 Architecture Command Relationships

COA #2 Architecture Organization of AO

Major Differences Between Each COA Summaries of COA

COA Analysis Add considerations of own experiences Review of the JPGs wargaming efforts Add considerations of own experiences

COA Comparison Description of comparisons criteria and comparison methodology Use COA decision matrix Weigh strengths and weaknesses with respect to comparison criteria

Decision Matrix (Maximum matrix, higher score is better) Criteria Wt COA 1 COA 2 Total UNCLASSIFIED

COA X and short name

COA X and short name

COA Recommendations Staff Components