How many substeps are there in COA Comparison?

The correct answer indicates that there are three substeps in the Course of Action (COA) Comparison phase of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP). This phase is critical as it entails the evaluation and comparison of the various COAs developed during earlier planning stages to determine their respective merits and disadvantages.

The first substep involves evaluating the COAs against established criteria to determine their feasibility, acceptability, and suitability. This evaluation helps ensure that the options under consideration align with the mission and provide viable paths forward.

The second substep focuses on comparing the COAs. This is where the strengths and weaknesses noted in the first substep are assessed in relation to one another. The goal here is to identify which COA provides the best means of accomplishing the mission while considering available resources and risks.

The final substep in this phase is to conduct an analysis to facilitate a recommendation for the preferred COA. This involves synthesizing the evaluations and comparisons into a clear recommendation, making it easier for decision-makers to choose the most effective course of action.

Understanding these three substeps allows military leaders to apply a structured approach to decision-making, ensuring that every potential action is thoroughly vetted and analyzed before moving forward.