What is the main output of the COA Approval step in MDMP?

The main output of the COA Approval step in the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is the documentation of the chosen Course of Action (COA) for execution. This step is critical because once a COA is approved by the command, it becomes the official plan that will be implemented. The documentation serves as a clear guide for all personnel involved, detailing the approved strategies and operational intent. It ensures that everyone has a common understanding of the objectives and how to achieve them while also laying the groundwork for subsequent phases of planning and execution.

In this context, documenting rejected COAs, while an important part of the overall decision-making process, does not constitute the primary output of the COA Approval step. Similarly, the preparation of a new mission statement, while potentially relevant at different stages of planning, is not the focus at this specific juncture. Lastly, a report on the decision-making process, although useful, is not the intended primary output when a COA has been selected for execution. The chosen COA’s documentation is vital, as it lays the foundation for the operational plan and helps in coordinating actions among units.