1. MILITARY PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS
INSTRUCTOR CPT REINHARD

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

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

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

5. 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

6. #1 WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
What must be done?

7. #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.

8. #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

9. #4 DEVELOP POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Brain Storming
Mind Mapping

10. #5 ANALYZE AND COMPARE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Use predetermined evaluation criteria
Go back to “Facts and Assumptions” or “Establish Criteria” if necessary

11. #6 SELECT AND IMPLEMENT THE BEST SOLUTION
Make the decision
Acceptable, Feasible, and Suitable

12. #7 ANALYZE SOLUTION FOR EFFECTIVENESS
May take time
AAR
If it works, pass it on!

13. PRACTICAL EXERCISE

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. SUMMARY Problem Solving Steps Practical Exercise
Road Blocks to Problem Solving

18. QUESTIONS?

19. 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.