Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS MDMP

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Purpose –To familiarize NCOs with the steps in the Military Decision Making Process. –To identify how and where NCOs can support the Military Decision Making Process. MDMP

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team OVERVIEW The Seven Steps of the MDMP TTP- How and Where NCOs Facilitate Successful MDMP POC Information

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Receipt of mission Mission analysis COA development COA analysis COA comparison COA approval Orders production –Rehearsal –Execution STEPS in the MDMP FM pg 5-2

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team MDMP ADVANTAGES It analyzes and compares multiple friendly and enemy COAs in an attempt to identify the most effective friendly COA. It produces the greatest integration, coordination, and synchronization for an operation and minimizes the risk of overlooking a critical event. It produces a detailed OPORD/OPLAN.

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team MDMP DISADVANTAGE It can be a time-consuming process. (if you are untrained and unpracticed)

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team OutputInput Mission of Higher Cdr’s Initial Guidance Warning Order 1 Receipt of Mission - Initial Assessment - Update Staff Estimates - Prepare for Mission Analysis FM pgs 5-3, 5-4 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 1

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP Prepare TOC for planning process Prepare and distribute warning orders Log receipt of all warning orders, OPORDs, and FRAGOS Use your TACSOP Gather appropriate maps of AO Gather appropriate FMs Configure plans tent for Mission Analysis RECEIPT OF MISSION

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Cdr’s Intent / Guidance Output Input Mission Staff Estimates Mission Analysis - Analysis of Higher Msn/Intent - Identify Specified / Implied Tasks / Essential Tasks - Review Task Org / Assets - Determine Restrictions - Assess Risk - Identify Critical Facts/ Assumptions Initial IPB Products Restated Mission Staff Products Warning Order 2 Battlefield Framework Preliminary Movement FM pgs 5-4, 5-5 thru 5-11 Facts & Assumptions MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 2

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP MISSION ANALYSIS Copy graphics Prepare and update status charts Prepare terrain sketches Update and post unit reports Conduct mission analysis as a member of your staff section CALL NEWSLETTER 95-12

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Serve as a recorder during process Post Mission Analysis Briefing chart (agenda) Make copies of Cdr’s intent of guidance Brief commander and staff NCOs IN THE MDMP MISSION ANALYSIS (con’t)

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team USED DURING MISSION ANALYSIS & COA DEVELOPMENT Butcher Block Marker Pens 1:50,000 Map of AO Acetate Cover Unit Symbols Recorder(s) Briefing Agenda Overlays (ops graphics, enemy SITEMP, obstacles) NCO AZIMUTH CHECK

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Restated Mission Cdr's Guidance / Intent OutputInput Course of Action Development - Analyze Relative Combat Power - Generate Options - Array Initial Forces - Develop the Scheme of Maneuver - Assign Headquarters - Prepare COA Statements / Sketches COA Stmts / Sketches Enemy COAs Staff Estimates FM pgs 5-4, 5-11 thru 5-16 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 3

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP COA DEVELOPMENT Prepare charts and products for COA development Assist in the development of COAs Sketch COAs Support briefing requirements Assist with preparation of COA statements where necessary Post COA briefing chart (if required) Record Cdr’s guidance or adjustments to specific COAs CALL NEWSLETTER 95-12

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Graphically portrays the scheme of maneuver. At a minimum, the sketch should include the array of generic forces (enemy and friendly) and control measures. Can be on any media – what it portrays is more important than its form. Stands alone. Sketches for multiple COAs in the same operation should be identical (terrain, enemy sitemp, obstacles) FM 101-5, pg 5-14 COA SKETCH

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team COA sketch must include: –Phase lines –Ground and/or air axes of advance –Zones of attack or defensive sectors –Assembly areas –Strongpoints –Battle positions –Engagement areas –Objectives COA DEVELOPMENT FM pgs 5-11 thru 5-16

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team – –FEBA or LD/LC – –Major obstacles – –Fire support coordination measures – –Main effort designated in the offense – –Enemy situation COA DEVELOPMENT COA sketch must include: (con’t)

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Depict Terrain Array the Enemy and Avenues of Approach Apply Higher Hqs Graphics Show Scheme of Maneuver COA SKETCH

Show key and decisive terrain. Show significant changes in relief. Show principle vegetated areas. Show built-up areas. Any other feature that plays a significant role in the scheme of maneuver. STEP ONE DEPICT TERRAIN

Show all avenues. Identify most likely avenue. Extend avenues throughout your sector. Enemy event template can be overlaid along most likely. STEP TWO SHOW ENEMY AVENUES OF APPROACH

Tasks Breach Force: Breach MDL / Secure OBJ Supporting Effort: Breach MDL / Secure OBJ Exploitation Force: Seize OBJ / Secure LOA OPEL MTNS BLACK MTNS GRAVEL HILLS Array Initial Forces LD/LC (PL LINCOLN) LD/LC (PL LINCOLN) XXX X LOA (PL REAGAN) II I I I I I I I I I OBJ FISH LOA (PL REAGAN) Combat Power required for each operation is identified (by company) The staff ensures that each force allocation is enough to accomplish the task(s) and purpose Breach Force (Initial ME) Supporting Effort Exploitation Force (O/O ME) Purpose Breach Force: Pass the exploitation force Supporting Effort: Prevent enemy repositioning Exploitation Force: Defeat the BRAG and Secure LOA I Initial EFSTs Neutralize Forward Position Destroy CSOPs Destroy Platoons at breach site Obscure breach sites CAS on BRAG (+) (-)

STEP TWO (con’t) SHOW ENEMY AVENUES OF APPROACH (-) Enemy forces may be arrayed along the avenues of approach to provide additional visualization.

KALMAL Use all control measures from overlay. Do not rename control measures. STEP THREE APPLY HIGHER’S GRAPHICS PL SILVER PL GOLD (LOA) PL GOLD (LOA) PL ZINC PL RED (FEBA) PL ZINC PL RED (FEBA) PL SILVER (-) PL COPPER

KALMAL PL GOLD (LOA) PL ZINC PL SILVER PL RED (FEBA) PL GOLD (LOA) PL ZINC PL RED (FEBA) PL SILVER (-) I I PL BLUE (BHL) PL BLUE (BHL) PL COPPER G G I I FINAL SKETCH Integrates Obstacle Effects and Belts I I I I I

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team STEP FOUR SHOW SCHEME OF MANEUVER Use symbols from FM , App C Paint a picture for the commander and staff Create a separate sketch for actions on the objective if necessary Identify the decisive point Work through the battlefield framework Write down task and purpose for each sub-element

PL KENNEDY O/O FEBA (PL CARTER) PL HOOVER LD/LC (PL LINCOLN) BHO (PL GARFIELD) O/O FEBA (PL CARTER) PL KENNEDY PL HOOVER BHO (PL GARFIELD) LD/LC (PL LINCOLN) N OPEL MTNS BLACK MTNS CUDDEBACK LAKE (DEPRESSION) GRAVEL HILLS XXXXXX X LOA (PL REAGAN) PL REAGAN II I I I I I I I I I I COA SKETCH SHOW SCHEME OF MANEUVER OBJ DOG OBJ CAT OBJ OWL TF3, the O/O Main Effort, follows in the northeast, attacks to exploit the breach of TF1 and defeat the enemy BRAG vic OBJ OWL to complete the defeat of the 311 MIBR and secure PL Reagan. OBJ FISH (+) (-)

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team COA Stmts / Sketches Staff COA War Game Results Mission to Subordinates CCIR Output Input Enemy COA - Conduct War Game Course of Action Analysis Task Organization FM pgs 5-4, 5-16 thru 5-24 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 4

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Remain unbiased List advantages and disadvantages (as found) for each COA 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 pgs 5-4, 5-16 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAMING RULES

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Gather the tools List all friendly forces List assumptions List known critical events and decision points Determine evaluation criteria FM pgs 5-17 thru 5-22 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAMING STEPS

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team COA ANALYSIS WAR GAMING STEPS (con’t) Select the war game method (avenue/belt/box) Select method to record and display results (sync matrix or sketch note) War game the battle and assess the results

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Modified COA Refinement of task organization The sync matrix and decision support template Identification of location and commitment of reserve Refined CCIR Identify / confirm DPs / NAIs, TAIs Identify, analyze, and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the COA Integrate the targeting process (refine EFSTs) FM pgs 5-23 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS 8 CRITICAL WAR GAME RESULTS

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team 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 sync matrix and decision support template Estimate duration of each critical event/entire operation FM pgs 5-23 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAME RESULTS 1 OF 4

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Projection of enemy force destruction Identification of location and commitment of reserve 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 FM pgs 5-23 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAME RESULTS 2 OF 4

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Refined C2 requirements Finalize CCIR and IR with LTIOV Finalize R&S plan Refined CCIR and incorporate into R&S plan and graphics Develop FS, Engr, AD, IO, CSS plans and graphics Identify / confirm DPs / NAIs, TAIs Timing of force concentration & initiation of the attack or counterattack FM pgs 5-23 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAME RESULTS 3 OF 4

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team 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 thru 5-24 COA ANALYSIS WAR GAME RESULTS 4 OF 4

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP COA ANALYSIS Collect and prepare tools/charts/products – – Prepare unit icons for movement on the map – – Blank sheet of acetate on the map – – Post the assumptions – – Post the COA sketch and statement – – Post the evaluation criteria – – Prepare the sync matrix w/appropriate task organization CALL NEWSLETTER 95-12

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP COA ANALYSIS Serve as a war-game recorder Conduct war-game session Post war-game briefing chart (if required) Monitor time and keep the staff on track

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Output Input War Game Results Decision Matrix Course of Action Comparison - Assess Risk - Compare COAs - Recommendation Establish Criteria FM pgs 5-4, 5-24 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 5

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Post appropriate decision matrix format for use during comparison Ensure each selected COA: –Pose the minimum risk to soldiers, equipment, and mission accomplishment –Best position the force for future operations FM pg 5-24 NCOs IN THE MDMP COA COMPARISON

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team – –Provide the best flexibility to meet “unknowns” during execution – –Provide maximum latitude for initiative by subordinates COA COMPARISON (con’t) NCOs IN THE MDMP

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP COA DECISION BRIEF Post decision briefing chart Make recommendations Record/post commander’s guidance Support briefing requirements CALL NEWSLETTER 95-12

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Course of Action Approval Decision Matrix Specified Type of Order / Rehearsal High Pay-Off Target List - Select COA - Assess Risk - Specify Type of Order Approved COA Refined Cdr’s Intent Output Input FM pgs 5-4, 5-26 Warning Order 3 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 6

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Approved COA Orders Production - Translate into Plan / Order - Incorporate Branches and Sequels - Establish Control Measures - Synchronize Plan / Order OPORD / OPLAN Output Input FM pgs 5-4, 5-26 MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS STEP 7

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP ORDERS PREPARATION Write/Type annexes Consolidate annexes Reproduce orders/graphics Review/read orders Anticipate and support briefing requirements Stay informed and involved CALL NEWSLETTER 95-12

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team 5 Types of Rehearsals – – Confirmation Brief – – Backbrief – – Combined Arms Rehearsal – – Support Rehearsal – – Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal FM pgs 5-2, & APP G CALL NEWSLETTER 98-5 REHEARSALS

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team NCOs IN THE MDMP REHEARSALS Prepare terrain models Communication plan (COMEX) RTO training (radio log) Recording changes/posting changes Large scale rehearsals require BFV/Tank Cdr, 1SG, PSG, and Section NCOIC to be intimately familiar with plan

Distributed Battle Simulations Program East Region BOS Team Questions?