Military Decision Making Process Analysis

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Abstract
The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is a tool that helps Commanders and Staff evaluate missions and situations in an analytical manner in order to develop a solid plan and “get the job done”. The MDMP is long and complex which makes it an unideal process for situations where time and staff are unavailable. If done correctly the MDMP can be extremely effective.

The Military Decision Making Process (MDCP)
The Military Decision Making Process or MDCP is a planning model that assists Commanders and Staff in analyzing missions and situations in order to reach the most advantageous and logical course of action (U.S. Department of the Army, ADP 5-0, 2015). The MDMP requires leaders to think critically and creatively
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Mistakes committed will carry on throughout the steps ultimately affecting the final decision and course of action (U.S. Department of the Army, FM 101-5, 1997).
The Seven Step Process
Step 1: Receipt of Mission- Mission is received and G3/S3 issues a Warning Order (WARNO) to the Staff. The commander does a quick assessment and issues his initial guidance to G3/S3 who issues a WARNO to the subordinate units (U.S. Department of the Army, ADP 5-0, 2015).
Step 2: Mission Analysis- After gathering all necessary tools; maps, SOP’s, Field Manuals and any other relevant material needed, the Staff conducts an initial assessment. The what, when, where and why are identified. The Staff determines available assets, facts and assumptions, IPB, etc. Mission statement, commander’s intent and an initial planning guidance are developed. The Commander issues his first planning guidance and WARNO to subordinate units (U.S. Department of the Army, ADP 5-0, 2015).
Step 3: Course of Action Development- This is the brainstorming step. The Staff generates potential courses of actions or COA’s; solutions and ideas based on the facts presented in the initial assessment (U.S. Department of the Army, FM 6-0,
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Nevertheless, all Sergeants in the US Army (even when they are not part of the planning Staff) should be familiar with the MDCP as they are all part (in one way or another) of the Staff function; it is the responsibility of the NCO’s to prepare and lead their soldiers to accomplish the mission. All Sergeants have to become familiar with the MDCP, its complexity and the numerous ways it can be modified. They may not find it useful today but as they move to higher ranks the MDCP may become a particularly helpful tool to develop appropriate courses of action and accomplish the