What is the first step of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP)?

The first step of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) is the receipt of the mission. This step is crucial as it involves the initial acknowledgment of the mission's details, including the commander's intent, the higher commander's guidance, and the overall operational environment.

During the receipt of the mission, leaders ensure they fully understand the mission requirements and the situation, which sets the foundation for subsequent analysis and planning. This phase establishes the context in which the decision-making process will occur, allowing for effective prioritization of tasks, identification of constraints, and coordination of resources needed for the operation.

In contrast, mission analysis, COA development, and COA approval are subsequent steps that rely on the information gathered and analyzed during the receipt of the mission phase. Therefore, initiating the MDMP with the receipt of the mission ensures that all following steps are built on a solid understanding of the mission’s objectives and operational context.