What is considered a “COA” in the MDMP?

In the context of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP), a "COA," or Course of Action, refers specifically to a potential plan developed to achieve a mission or objective. COAs outline the various options available for accomplishing a task and include detailed descriptions of how operations will be executed, the allocation of resources, timelines, and the methods for achieving the desired end state. The emphasis on outlining potential plans is critical, as it allows military planners to evaluate different strategies based on their effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability. This process is essential in determining the best course of action to take in a given operational scenario, making it a foundational element of military planning.

Other available answers do not encapsulate the comprehensive definition of a COA within the MDMP. A command directive refers to instructions given at a higher level that may not detail operational plans, and a risk analysis report focuses on identifying and assessing risks rather than developing actionable military strategies. An order to execute the mission signifies a directive issued after the planning process has concluded, rather than a preliminary exploratory phase where multiple COAs are considered.