THE MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS (MDMP)

PURPOSE Review MDMP Discuss TTP for conducting the MDMP in a “time-constrained” environment. Conduct a practical exercise using the MDMP in a “time-constrained” environment

BACKGROUND Deliberate Decision Making Process (DDMP) Abbreviated Accelerated Conventional Wisdom (FM 101-5) Don’t omit steps Anticipation, Organization, and Prior Preparation are the keys to success CDR decides how to accelerate process

MDMP STEPS Receipt of Mission Mission Analysis COA Development Warning Order (WARNO) Mission Analysis WARNO COA Development COA Analysis COA Comparison COA Approval Orders Production

TIME SAVING TECHNIQUES Increase Commander’s involvement Commander is more directive in his guidance Commander limits the number of COAs Maximize parallel planning

PLANNING CONTINUUM AVAILABLE PLANNING MORE TIME DRIVES LESS LESS LEVEL OF INVOLVEMENT MORE OF COMMANDER LESS DETAILS IN CDR’S MORE GUIDANCE MORE FLEXIBILITY/LATITUDE LESS OF STAFF MORE NUMBER OF COAs LESS DEVELOPED LEVEL OF MORE DETAIL/COORDINATION LESS IN OPORD

COMMANDER’S ROLE decides what adjustments to make should avoid changes to his guidance should consult with subordinate commanders should contact higher headquarters and advise them of his selected COA

STAFF’S ROLE Staff Estimates Use every opportunity to conduct parallel planning with higher headquarters

MISSION RECEIPT Does not change Commander decides if and how he wants to abbreviate the MDMP SEND WARNO

MISSION ANALYSIS Commander’s involvement is key IPB requires constant attention Staff conducts as formal a mission analysis briefing as time allows SEND WARNO

COMMANDER’S GUIDANCE Elements are the same More detailed and directive Keeps staff focused

COA DEVELOPMENT Increased Commander involvement Few (or one) COA Hasty Wargame When time is severely limited Commander may decide to develop one COA against enemy’s most likely COA Not using the enemy event templates is a poor technique

COA ANALYSIS 1 of 2 MUST conduct wargaming to ensure integration and synchronization Commander must always assess risk Staff should use box technique focusing on most critical event first, then as many as possible with allotted time Specifically define and limit evaluation criteria to four or five most important

COA ANALYSIS 2 of 2 Use of recorders is particularly important coordinating instructions sub-unit instructions synchronization information Portion of the OPORD is written When only one COA is developed, the analysis is used to verify, refine, synchronize and integrate the COA and to recommend modifications

COA COMPARISON Only one COA, not necessary Two or more, still necessary Limiting evaluation criteria

COA APPROVAL CDR has observed and participated, can make on-the-spot approval CDR has not participated or not made a decision, a decision briefing will still be required Once decision is made, SEND WARNO

ORDERS PRODUCTION WARNOs Wargame results SOPs synchronization matrix DST SOPs

QUESTIONS ?