1. THE MILITARY DECISION MAKING PROCESS (MDMP)

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. ORDERS PRODUCTION WARNOs Wargame results SOPs synchronization matrix
DST
SOPs

18. QUESTIONS ?