Military Decision Making

Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 1
Military Decision Making

Process
MISSION RECEIVED
STAFF ACTIONS CDR ACTIONS
INFO TO CDR INFO TO STAFF
MSN ANALYSIS
MISSION ANALYSIS RESTATED MSN CDR’S
PROPOSED RESTATED MSN CDR’S GUIDANCE
STAFF EST
COA DEVELOPMENT COA DEVELOPMENT/
EST ANALYSIS
COA ANALYSIS, COA COMPARISON
COMPARISON, AND DECISION
RECOMMENDATION
PREP PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO PLAN/ORDER/
FRAGO APPROVAL
ISSUE PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO
MSN REC’D BY
SUB UNITS
EXECUTION

MDMP 2
Process
RECEIPT OF MISSION
WARNING ORDER
MISSION ANALYSIS
WARNING ORDER
COA DEVELOPMENT
COA ANALYSIS
COA COMPARISON
COA APPROVAL
WARNING ORDER
ORDERS PRODUCTION
REHEARSAL
EXECUTION & ASSESSMENT
FM 101-5 pg 5-2
MDMP 3

Process
WARNING ORDER #__ Copy __ of __ Copies
References: Issuing headquarters
1. SITUATION Place of issue
a. Enemy forces. Date-time group of signature
b. Friendly forces. Message reference no.
(1) Mission
(2) Commander’s Intent
c. Attachments and detachments.
2. MISSION
3. EXECUTION
Intent (when available).
a. Concept of operation (when available). Assembly area locations (If applicable, when available).
b. Tasks to maneuver units (when available).
(1) Reconnaissance.
(2) Surveillance
(2) Security
c. Tasks to combat support units (when available).
d. Coordinating instructions.
(1) Earliest movement time and degree of notice.
(2) Orders group meeting (attendees, location, and time) (when applicable).
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Special equipment.
b. Transportation.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
ACKNOWLEDGE:
NAME (Commander’s last name)

RANK (Commander’s rank)
OFFICIAL:
ANNEXES:
DISTRIBUTION:
FM 101-5 pgs H-27/28

MDMP 4
Military Decision Making Process

7 Steps
• Receipt of mission
• Mission analysis
• Course of action development
• Course of action analysis
• Course of action comparison
• Course of action approval
• Orders production
FM 101-5 pg 5-3
MDMP 5
Step 1
Input Output
Mission of Higher Receipt of Mission Cdr’s Initial Guidance

- Initial Assessment
- Update Staff Estimates Warning Order 1
- Prepare for Mission Analysis
FM 101-5 pgs 5-3, 5-4

MDMP 6

Step 2
Input Output
Mission Initial IPB Products

Mission Analysis
Restated Mission
Staff Estimates - Analysis of Higher Msn/Intent
- Identify Specified / Implied Tasks / Cdr’s Intent / Guidance
Facts & Assumptions
Essential Tasks
Warning Order 2
- Review Task Org / Assets
- Determine Restrictions / Constraints Staff Products
- Assess Risk
Battlefield Framework
- Identify Critical Facts / Assumptions
Preliminary Movement
FM 102-5 pgs 5-4, 5-5

MDMP 7
Definition of
Commander’s Intent
The commander’s intent is a clear, concise statement of
what the force must do to succeed with respect to the
enemy and the terrain, and the desired end state. It
provides the link between the mission and the concept of
operations by stating the key tasks that, along with the
mission, are the basis for subordinates to exercise initiative
when unanticipated opportunities arise or when the original
concept of operations no longer applies. Intent is normally
expressed in four or five sentences and is mandatory for all
orders. The mission and the commander’s intent must be
understood two echelons down.
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
MDMP 8
Intent Statement
Commander’s intent statement should state

the following:
– Key tasks
– End state
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
MDMP 9
Key Tasks For
Commander’s Intent
• Tasks that must be performed, or conditions that must be
met, to achieve stated purpose of the operation
• Not tied to specific course of action, but fundamental to
the force’s success
• Subordinates use these tasks to keep their efforts
supporting the commander’s intent
• Examples
– Tempo
– Duration
– Terrain that must be controlled
– Effect on the enemy
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
MDMP 10
Example Commander’s Intent
Mission
At 112130JUL97, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to PL VIRGINIA to defeat the 61 BDE
(MTZD) and establish a covering force NLT 120600JUL97 from PL ALABAMA to
PL MAINE to protect CORPS assembly areas. On order, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to
PL FLORIDA to defeat the remaining enemy forces. On order, defends in sector from
PL ILLINOIS to PL VIRGINIA to defeat enemy attacks across the international border.
Commander's Intent
I want to rapidly defeat the remaining enemy forces in zone to PL ALABAMA to
establish a covering force. The covering force will protect the division until we are
prepared for combat and facilitate the forward passage of the heavy brigades, allowing
the heavy brigades to rapidly defeat enemy forces in zone to PL FLORIDA, and posture
the division to destroy any enemy counterattacks across the international border. End
state is the international border restored and the division defending in sector along PL
FLORIDA prepared to defeat any enemy attacks across the international border.

MDMP 11
Process
13 Elements of commander’s guidance
– Specify COAs, friendly & enemy, and the priority for addressing them
– The CCIR
– Reconnaissance guidance
– Risk guidance
– Deception guidance
– Fire support guidance
– Mobility & countermobility guidance
– Security measures to be implemented
– Additional specific priorities for CS and CSS
– Other information the Cdr wants the staff to consider
– The time plan
– Type of order to issue
– Type of rehearsal to conduct FM 101-5 pg 5-10
MDMP 12
Commander’s Critical Information
Requirements
(CCIR)
• Supports the commander’s battlefield visualization

• Identifies critical decisions
• Assists in determining or validating COAs
• Helps filter information available to the commander
• Focuses the efforts of subordinates and staff
• Assists in the allocation of resources
• Assists staff officers in making recommendations
• 10 or less items of information
• Directly affects the success or failure of the mission
FM 101-5 pg 5-7
MDMP 13
Commander’s Critical Information
Requirements
(CCIR)
• PIR - Information about the enemy.

Example: Are the 14 TMD and 13 ID DAGs located vicinity NAI 17
(CH 4535) and NAI 14 (CH3736) respectively? LTIOV: 252300JUL97
• EEFI - Information needed to protect friendly forces from

the enemy’s information-gathering systems.
Example: Location of brigade command posts.
• FFIR - Information about the capabilities of own or

adjacent units.
Example: First contact with enemy.
Combat power below designated level.
FM 101-5 pg 5-8
MDMP 14
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
PLANNING PROCESS COMMANDER STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS
MISSION ANALYSIS
–Prepare charts for mission analysis X
–Prepare terrain sketches X
–Update and post unit reports/status X X
–Prepare TOC for planning process X X
–Conduct mission analysis X X X
–Serve as a recorder during process X X
–Brief commander and staff X X
COMMANDER’S GUIDANCE
–Assist Cdr in developing guidance X X
–Issue guidance X
–Record/post Cdr’s guidance X X X
COA DEVELOPMENT
–Prepare charts X
–Sketch COAs X
–Develop COAs X X X
FM 101-5 pg K-2
MDMP 15
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
(continued)
PLANNING PROCESS COMMANDER STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS
COA ANALYSIS
–Collect and prepare tools/charts X
–Serve as a war-game recorder X X
–Conduct war-game session X X X
DECISION
–Make recommendation to Cdr X X
–Decide X
–Record/post Cdr’s guidance X X X
ORDERS PREP
–Write annexes X X
–Consolidate annexes X X
–Type order X X
–Reproduce orders/graphics X
–Review order X X X
–Approve order X
FM 101-5 pg K-2
MDMP 16
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #2

MDMP 17

Step 3
Input Output
Restated Mission COA Stmts / Sketches

Course of Action Development
Cdr's Guidance / Intent - Analyze Relative Combat Power
- Generate Options
Staff Estimates
- Array Initial Forces
Enemy COAs - Develop the Scheme of Maneuver
- Assign Headquarters
- Prepare COA Statements / Sketches
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-11

MDMP 18
Course of Action Development
Criteria
• Suitability
• Feasibility
• Acceptability
• Distinguishability
• Completeness
FM 101-5 pg 5-11
MDMP 19
COA #1
CFL 52 DIV CFL 52 DIV
LOA LOA
200100 MAY 97 200100 MAY 97
37(PL WISCONSIN) OBJ (PL WISCONSIN)
42 SABER
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE OBJ
BAYONET
PL IOWA PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA PL NEBRASKA
X
3 X 1 52 ID X MNC
X 57
03
LD/LC LD/LC
(PL NEVADA) (PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJ’s will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tm’s in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Combined Armsvic
Main CP will position . .PL. Decisive
NEVADA prior Victory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective. MDMP 20
COA #1
LOA LOA
O/O O/O
37(PL WISCONSIN) (PL WISCONSIN)
42
TONG’DUCH
FEBA
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA) X
(PL FLORIDA)
TAC
PL IOWA PL IOWA
X
EA EA
DALLAS
AUSTIN MAIN AA
SCABBARD
AA X
3 X 1 HILT 52 ID X MNC
X 57
PL NEVADA PL NEVADA 03
Course of Action: On order, BDE defends from PL FLORIDA to PL NEVADA with two task forces abreast to defeat the advance
guard and lead battalions; a task force in depth, the defeat mechanism, will counter attack to defeat the enemy. Forward battalions
establish screen from PL WISCONSIN to PL FLORIDA. The tank heavy task force establishes a combat outpost in TONG’DUCH
to engage enemy reconnaissance and force deployment of the Advanced Guard Battalion. Indirect fires neutralize Advance Guard in
security zone. A tank heavy task force, main effort, in the east defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat the advance
guard and first echelon battalion. An infantry battalion in the west defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat a first
echelon battalion. A mech heavy task force occupies AA SCABBARD; on order main effort counterattacks into EA DALLAS or
EA AUSTIN to defeat the second echelon battalion. Priority of fires to main effort battalion. Use blocking obstacles to shape EA DALLAS
or EA AUSTIN once enemy main effort is identified, to support mech heavy TF’s CATK. A mech team, brigade reserve, occupies
AA HILT, prepared to defeat penetrations of PL NEBRASKA or respond to level II rear area threats. DS and R artillery with Q36 radar
positioned forward between PL FLORIDA Combined
and PL IOWA.Arms . . . Decisive
Risk is accepted by having aVictory
small reserve in order to defeat penetrations of
MDMP 21
COA #1
LOA LOA
200100 MAY 97 200100 MAY 97
37(PL WISCONSIN) OBJ (PL WISCONSIN)
42 SABER
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE OBJ
BAYONET
PL IOWA PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD
X
3 X 1 52 ID X MNC
X 57
03
LD/LC LD/LC
(PL NEVADA) (PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJ’s will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tm’s in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Combined Armsvic
Main CP will position . .PL. Decisive
NEVADA prior Victory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective. MDMP 22
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #3

MDMP 23

Step 4
Input Output
Enemy COA
Course of Action Analysis War Game Results
COA Stmts / Sketches - Conduct War Game
Task Organization
Staff COA
Mission to Subordinates
CCIR
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-16

MDMP 24
Course of Action Analysis

War Gaming Rules
• Remain unbiased
• List advantages and disadvantages (as found)
• Continually assess COA feasibility, acceptability, and
suitability
• Avoid drawing premature conclusions and gathering
facts to support such conclusions
• Compare COAs during comparison process: Not
during war game
FM 101-5 pg 5-16
MDMP 25

War Gaming Steps
• Gather the tools
• List all friendly forces
• List assumptions
• List known critical events and decision points
• Determine evaluation criteria
• Select the war game method (avenue/belt/box)
• Select method to record and display results
(synch matrix or sketch note)
• War game the battle and assess the results
FM 101-5 pg 5-17
MDMP 26
War Game Results 1 OF 3
• Modified COA
• Modified location and timing of the decisive point
• Identification of key terrain
• Refinement of enemy event template & matrix
• Refinement of task organization
• Identification of subordinate unit’s tasks
• Allocation of combat, CS and CSS assets to subordinates
• The synchronization matrix and decision support template
• Estimate duration of each critical event / entire operation
• Projection of enemy force destruction
• Identification of location and commitment of reserve FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
MDMP 27
• Identify likely times and areas for enemy use of WMD and
friendly NBC requirements
• Most dangerous enemy COA
• Location of commander and CPs
• Identify additional critical events
• Identify additional CS and CSS requirements
• Requirements for deception and surprise
• Refined C2 requirements
• Finalize CCIR and IR with LTIOV
• Finalize R&S plan
• Refined CCIR and incorporate into R&S plan and graphics
FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
MDMP 28
• Develop FS, Engr, AD, IO, CSS plans and graphics

• Identify / confirm DPs / NAIs, TAIs
• Timing of force concentration & initiation of the attack or
counterattack
• Develop the intel collection and dissemination plan
• Determine movement times and tables
• Identify, analyze, and evaluate strengths and weaknesses
of the COA
• Integrate targeting process
• Synchronize smoke
• Identify additional risks, develop control measures FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
MDMP 29

Step 5
Input Output
War Game Results Course of Action Comparison Decision Matrix
Establish Criteria - Assess Risk

- Compare COAs
- Recommendation
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-24

MDMP 30
Course of Action Comparison
• Select comparison method
• Determine decision criteria
• Assign weighting values to criteria
• Make recommendation
FM 101-5 pg 5-24
MDMP 31
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #4

MDMP 32
“If the band played a piece first with the

piccolo then with the brass horn, then with the
clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there
would be a hell of a lot of noise but no music.
To get harmony in the music, each instrument
must support the others, to get harmony in
battle, each weapon must support the others.
Team play wins.”
General George S. Patton
MDMP 33
Orders
“There is a type of staff officer who
seems to think that it is more important
to draft immaculate orders than to get
out a reasonably well-worded order in
time for action to be taken before the
situation changes or the opportunity
passes.” BH Liddell Hart
Thoughts on War
1933

MDMP 34

Step 6
Input Output
Approved COA
Decision Matrix Course of Action Approval
- Select COA Refined Cdr’s Intent
- Assess Risk
Specified Type of Order /
- Specify Type of Order Rehearsal
High Pay-Off Target List
Warning Order 3
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-26

MDMP 35
OPORD / OPLAN Development

Guidelines / Characteristics 1 OF 2
• Address critical facts and assumptions

• Authoritative expression
• Positive expression
• Avoiding unqualified directives
• Balance
• Simplicity
• Be concise
• Clarity
• Completeness
FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4
MDMP 36
OPORD / OPLAN Development

Guidelines / Characteristics 2 OF 2
• Coordination
• Flexibility
• Clear, concise mission and intent statements
• Centralized planning
• Decentralized execution
• Use of existing resources
• Timeliness
FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4

MDMP 37

Step 7
Input Output
Approved COA Orders Production OPORD / OPLAN
- Translate into Plan / Order

- Incorporate Branches and Sequels
- Establish Control Measures
- Synchronize Plan / Order
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-26

MDMP 38
NCOs In TOC OPS
TOC FUNCTION XO BATTLE CPT STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS
RECEIVE INFORMATION
–Monitor situation X X X X
–Receive messages/reports X X
–Maintain journal X X
–Update post unit locations X X
–Update status boards/charts X X
DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION
–Submit reports X X
–Publish orders X X
–Pass messages/reports within TOCs X X X
ANALYZE INFORMATION
–Review in/out going reports/orders X X X
–Conduct predictive analysis X X X
–Identify CCIR X X X X
–Conduct TDMP X X X
–Serve as recorders X X
–Develop terrain Sketches X X
–prepare charts and overlays X
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CDR X X X
INTEGRATE/SYNCH RESOURCES X X
Reference: CALL Newsletter 95-12, DEC 95, Tactical Decision Making: Abbreviated Planning

MDMP 39
NCO Use
• NCOs involvement
• Enforce duties and responsibilities
• Battlestaff trained NCOs

MDMP 40

Process
Rehearsal
- 5 Types of Rehearsals
- Confirmation Brief
- Backbrief
- Combined Arms Rehearsal
- Support Rehearsal
- Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal
FM 101-5 pgs 5-2, G-1/2

MDMP 41

Process
Execution & Assessment
FM 101-5 pg 5-2
MDMP 42
Common Problems In Applying
The MDMP
• Using intelligence tools/products properly
– Forgetting the enemy has a vote
• Providing adequate commander’s guidance
– Intent
• Developing/analyzing courses of action
– War-gaming
• Presenting information for decision
– Format/content
• Meeting timeline guidance

MDMP 43
MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS

MDMP 44

Military Decision Making

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Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory