How many steps are there in the MDMP process?

The Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) consists of seven distinct steps that provide a structured approach for military leaders to make sound decisions. This seven-step framework includes:

1. Receipt of Mission: Understanding the mission’s requirements and the higher command’s intent.

2. Mission Analysis: Breaking down the mission to identify critical elements, constraints, and the operational environment.

3. Course of Action (COA) Development: Generating multiple possible strategies to accomplish the mission.

4. COA Analysis (Wargaming): Evaluating each proposed COA against possible enemy actions and other variables to assess their feasibility and effectiveness.

5. COA Comparison: Ranking and contrasting the developed COAs based on established criteria to identify the most suitable option.

6. COA Approval: Presenting the recommended COA to the commanding officer for final approval.

7. Orders Production: Preparing and disseminating the necessary orders to execute the approved COA.

This structured sequence is foundational for effective military planning and ensures that leaders thoroughly consider various factors before deciding on a course of action. The clarity in the process helps to mitigate risks and enhances the overall effectiveness of military operations.