Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
Process
MISSION RECEIVED
CDR ACTIONS
STAFF ACTIONS
INFO TO CDR
STAFF
EST
INFO TO STAFF
MSN ANALYSIS
RESTATED MSN
CDR’S GUIDANCE
MISSION ANALYSIS
PROPOSED RESTATED MSN
COA DEVELOPMENT
COA DEVELOPMENT/
ANALYSIS
COA ANALYSIS,
COMPARISON,
RECOMMENDATION
PREP PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO
COA COMPARISON
AND DECISION
ISSUE PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO
CDR’S
EST
PLAN/ORDER/
FRAGO APPROVAL
MSN REC’D BY
SUB UNITS
EXECUTION
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 2
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 3
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
Process
WARNING ORDER #__
Copy __ of __ Copies
References:
Issuing headquarters
1. SITUATION
Place of issue
a. Enemy forces.
Date-time group of signature
Message reference no.
b. Friendly forces.
(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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 4
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 5
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 1
Input
Mission of Higher
Output
Receipt of Mission
- Initial Assessment
- Update Staff Estimates
- Prepare for Mission Analysis
Cdr’s Initial Guidance
Warning Order 1
FM 101-5 pgs 5-3, 5-4
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 6
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 2
Output
Input
Mission
Staff Estimates
Facts & Assumptions
Mission Analysis
- Analysis of Higher Msn/Intent
- Identify Specified / Implied Tasks /
Essential Tasks
- Review Task Org / Assets
- Determine Restrictions / Constraints
- Assess Risk
- Identify Critical Facts / Assumptions
Initial IPB Products
Restated Mission
Cdr’s Intent / Guidance
Warning Order 2
Staff Products
Battlefield Framework
Preliminary Movement
FM 102-5 pgs 5-4, 5-5
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 7
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 8
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Intent Statement
Commander’s intent statement should state
the following:
– Key tasks
– End state
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 9
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 10
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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.
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 11
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 12
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 13
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 14
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
PLANNING PROCESS
MISSION ANALYSIS
–Prepare charts for mission analysis
–Prepare terrain sketches
–Update and post unit reports/status
–Prepare TOC for planning process
–Conduct mission analysis
–Serve as a recorder during process
–Brief commander and staff
COMMANDER’S GUIDANCE
–Assist Cdr in developing guidance
–Issue guidance
–Record/post Cdr’s guidance
COA DEVELOPMENT
–Prepare charts
–Sketch COAs
–Develop COAs
COMMANDER
X
STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
RTOs/CLERKS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FM 101-5 pg K-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 15
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
(continued)
PLANNING PROCESS
COA ANALYSIS
–Collect and prepare tools/charts
–Serve as a war-game recorder
–Conduct war-game session
DECISION
–Make recommendation to Cdr
–Decide
–Record/post Cdr’s guidance
ORDERS PREP
–Write annexes
–Consolidate annexes
–Type order
–Reproduce orders/graphics
–Review order
–Approve order
COMMANDER
X
STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
RTOs/CLERKS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
FM 101-5 pg K-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 16
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 17
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 3
Input
Restated Mission
Cdr's Guidance / Intent
Staff Estimates
Enemy COAs
Output
Course of Action Development
-
COA Stmts / Sketches
Analyze Relative Combat Power
Generate Options
Array Initial Forces
Develop the Scheme of Maneuver
Assign Headquarters
Prepare COA Statements / Sketches
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-11
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 18
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Development
Criteria
•
•
•
•
•
Suitability
Feasibility
Acceptability
Distinguishability
Completeness
FM 101-5 pg 5-11
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 19
COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
LOA
(PL
WISCONSIN)
37
CFL 52 DIV
200100 MAY 97
42
CFL 52 DIV
200100 MAY 97
OBJ
SABER
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
PL IOWA
PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA
3 X 1
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
OBJ
BAYONET
X
52 ID X MNC
X
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
57
03
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
Main CP will position
priorVictory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Combined
Armsvic. .PL. NEVADA
Decisive
MDMP 20
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective.
COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
LOA
(PL
WISCONSIN)
37
CFL 52 DIV
O/O
CFL 52 DIV
O/O
42
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
TONG’DUCH
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
X
TAC
PL IOWA
PL IOWA
X
MAIN
AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA
3 X 1
PL NEVADA
AA
HILT
X
52 ID X MNC
X
PL NEVADA
57
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
Combined
. . . Decisive
positioned forward between PL FLORIDA
and PL IOWA.Arms
Risk is accepted
by having aVictory
small reserve in order to defeat penetrations of
MDMP 21
COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
LOA
(PL
WISCONSIN)
37
CFL 52 DIV
200100 MAY 97
42
CFL 52 DIV
200100 MAY 97
OBJ
SABER
LOA
(PL WISCONSIN)
TONG’DUCH
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE
PL IOWA
PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD
PL NEBRASKA
PL NEBRASKA
3 X 1
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
OBJ
BAYONET
X
52 ID X MNC
X
LD/LC
(PL NEVADA)
57
03
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
Main CP will position
priorVictory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Combined
Armsvic. .PL. NEVADA
Decisive
MDMP 22
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective.
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #3
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 23
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 4
Input
Output
Enemy COA
Course of Action Analysis
COA Stmts / Sketches
- Conduct War Game
War Game Results
Task Organization
Staff COA
Mission to Subordinates
CCIR
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-16
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 24
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 25
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
Gaming Steps
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
War
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 26
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 27
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results
2 OF 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 28
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results
3 OF 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 29
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 5
Output
Input
War Game Results
Establish Criteria
Course of Action Comparison
Decision Matrix
- Assess Risk
- Compare COAs
- Recommendation
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-24
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 30
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Comparison
•
•
•
•
Select comparison method
Determine decision criteria
Assign weighting values to criteria
Make recommendation
FM 101-5 pg 5-24
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 31
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS
Workshop #4
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 32
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
“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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 33
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 34
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 6
Output
Input
Decision Matrix
Course of Action Approval
Approved COA
- Select COA
- Assess Risk
- Specify Type of Order
Refined Cdr’s Intent
Specified Type of Order /
Rehearsal
High Pay-Off Target List
Warning Order 3
FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-26
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 35
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 36
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 37
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 7
Input
Approved COA
Output
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 38
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In TOC OPS
TOC FUNCTION
XO
RECEIVE INFORMATION
–Monitor situation
–Receive messages/reports
–Maintain journal
–Update post unit locations
–Update status boards/charts
DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION
–Submit reports
–Publish orders
–Pass messages/reports within TOCs
ANALYZE INFORMATION
–Review in/out going reports/orders
–Conduct predictive analysis
–Identify CCIR
–Conduct TDMP
–Serve as recorders
–Develop terrain Sketches
–prepare charts and overlays
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CDR
X
BATTLE CPT
STAFF NCOs
RTOs/CLERKS
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
INTEGRATE/SYNCH RESOURCES
X
Reference: CALL Newsletter 95-12, DEC 95, Tactical Decision Making: Abbreviated Planning
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 39
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCO Use
•
•
•
NCOs involvement
Enforce duties and responsibilities
Battlestaff trained NCOs
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 40
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
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
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 41
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
Process
Execution & Assessment
FM 101-5 pg 5-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 42
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 44