What is the purpose of the COA Comparison process?

The purpose of the Course of Action (COA) Comparison process within the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each COA. This critical step allows commanders and their staffs to analyze the various options available to them in addressing a specific problem or mission objective. By thoroughly assessing the strengths, commanders can recognize which COA may offer the best chance of success based on its advantages, while the identification of weaknesses helps to highlight potential vulnerabilities or challenges that could affect the successful execution of that COA.

This understanding ultimately assists in making an informed decision on which COA to recommend or pursue further. While assessing risks, determining personnel requirements, or establishing timelines are all relevant aspects of planning, the primary focus of the COA Comparison is specifically centered on understanding how each proposed course measures up against one another in terms of advantages and disadvantages, which drives the decision-making process forward.