What role does the Chief of Staff (COS) or Executive Officer (XO) have during MDMP?

The role of the Chief of Staff (COS) or Executive Officer (XO) during the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) is critical for ensuring that the staff's work is coordinated effectively and that the quality of their output meets the necessary standards. This individual acts as a facilitator, helping to integrate the efforts of various staff sections, ensuring that communication flows smoothly between them, and that everyone is aligned with the commander's intent.

The COS or XO also monitors the progress of planning efforts, addresses any issues that arise during the process, and helps to keep the planning timeline on track. By managing quality control, they ensure that the plans developed are thorough and actionable, taking into account all relevant factors such as resources, timelines, and operational considerations. This supportive role is essential in creating a cohesive and effective plan that can be executed successfully.

Other roles mentioned, such as making all final decisions, executing the operational plan, or overseeing troop training, may be part of the broader responsibilities of leadership within a military context, but they do not encapsulate the specific functions of the COS or XO during the MDMP. Their primary focus lies in coordinating staff efforts and maintaining high standards of quality in the planning process.