Which step of the MDMP focuses on comparing various courses of action?

The step of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) that focuses on comparing various courses of action is indeed the fifth step. In this part of the process, decision-makers evaluate and compare the potential effectiveness of each course of action against established criteria and desired outcomes. This thorough examination allows leaders to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each option, assessing factors such as feasibility, acceptability, suitability, and risks associated with each action.

The purpose of this comparison is to identify the most effective and efficient course of action that can achieve the mission objective while mitigating risks. This step is crucial because it lays the groundwork for making informed and strategic decisions based on a comprehensive evaluation rather than intuition or incomplete data.

The other steps in the MDMP serve different functions, such as receiving the mission, developing courses of action, or conducting a plan review, which do not primarily focus on the comparative analysis aspect central to step five.