What is included in the review outputs of COA?

The review outputs of Courses of Action (COA) in the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) include the running estimates and assumptions. Running estimates refer to the continual assessment of the situation based on current intelligence, operational environment, and the resources available. This assessment helps military leaders determine how their COAs will stand up against the realities of the battlefield and operational environment.

Assumptions are also crucial in the COA review because they highlight the beliefs that planners hold regarding the operational environment that could impact the effectiveness of the potential COAs. By documenting these assumptions, military planners can address uncertainties and identify what needs to be further developed or verified as the planning progresses.

The other options do not specifically relate to the review outputs of COA. Staffing levels and training regimes, for example, pertain more to force preparation and management rather than immediate COA analysis. Intelligence briefing protocols are focused on the communication of intelligence rather than the assessment and evaluation of COAs themselves. Public relations strategies are external-facing and not relevant to the internal analysis of military actions and operations. Hence, running estimates and assumptions are fundamental elements included in the review outputs of COA.