During the development of Courses of Action (COAs), what type of variables are primarily used?

The focus during the development of Courses of Action (COAs) is primarily on mission variables. These variables encompass the essential components that directly pertain to the mission at hand and are crucial for determining how to effectively accomplish the objectives. Mission variables include the fundamental aspects of the operation such as the purpose, tasks, and the operational environment, all of which guide the planning process.

Mission variables help planners identify the threats, opportunities, and constraints that may impact the success of the operation, allowing for a more detailed and effective COA development. In contrast, financial, geographical, and temporal variables, while they may be considered in the overall context of planning, do not specifically encapsulate the core elements necessary for COA development. They might provide some additional context or constraints, but the mission variables remain the central focus for ensuring that the proposed COAs align with the strategic intent and operational goals.