The military decision-making process (MDMP) is a systematic and iterative planning methodology employed by the military to comprehend the situation, formulate a course of action, and produce an operational plan or order (ADP 5-0). It is a collaborative planning process that emphasizes input and information sharing among higher headquarters, subordinate units, and other military and civilian partners.
Key Facts
- The MDMP is an iterative planning methodology used by the military to understand the situation, develop a course of action, and produce an operation plan or order.
- It is a collaborative planning process that involves input and information sharing among higher headquarters, subordinate units, and other military and civilian partners.
- The MDMP consists of seven steps: mission receipt, mission analysis, course of action development, course of action analysis, course of action comparison, course of action approval, and orders production.
- Assessment is a key component of the MDMP, focusing on understanding the current situation and determining what to assess and how to assess progress.
- The MDMP also drives preparation, with commanders and staff conducting a time analysis early in the planning process to ensure forces are ready and in position before execution.
- The MDMP can be modified based on time constraints, with commanders assessing the situation, updating their visualization, and directing staff to perform activities that support the required decisions.
- The Army design methodology is often conducted before, in parallel with, or after the MDMP, depending on the situation and familiarity of the problem.
- Training and mastery of the MDMP are important for staffs to effectively apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems and make effective decisions.
Steps of the Military Decision-Making Process
The MDMP comprises seven sequential steps:
Mission Receipt
Commanders initiate the MDMP upon receiving or anticipating a mission. They often begin planning without a complete and approved higher headquarters’ operation plan (OPLAN) or operation order (OPORD). In such cases, the headquarters initiates planning based on a warning order (WARNORD) and other directives.
Mission Analysis
The staff analyzes the mission, including the commander’s intent, tasks, purpose, and end state. They conduct intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) and targeting to understand the operational environment, enemy capabilities, and vulnerabilities.
Course of Action Development
The staff develops multiple courses of action (COAs) to achieve the mission. Each COA includes a concept of operations, tasks, and a timeline. The staff considers various factors, including the enemy situation, terrain, weather, and available resources.
Course of Action Analysis
The staff analyzes each COA to assess its feasibility, risks, and potential outcomes. They conduct wargaming to evaluate the COAs under different scenarios and identify potential challenges and opportunities.
Course of Action Comparison
The staff compares the COAs based on their advantages, disadvantages, and risks. They consider the commander’s intent, mission requirements, and available resources.
Course of Action Approval
The commander selects the COA that best meets the mission requirements and aligns with the commander’s intent. The commander issues a decision matrix or fragmentary order (FRAGORD) to communicate the decision to the staff.
Orders Production
The staff produces a detailed operation plan or order (OPORD) based on the approved COA. The OPORD includes all necessary information for subordinate units to execute the mission, including tasks, timelines, and coordination instructions.
Assessment and Preparation in the MDMP
Assessment is an integral part of the MDMP, focusing on understanding the current situation and determining what to assess and how to assess progress. The unit’s assessment plan is developed during the MDMP, not after the plan or order is developed.
Preparation is also driven by the MDMP. Since time is a factor in all operations, commanders and staffs conduct a time analysis early in the planning process. This analysis helps them determine the necessary actions and when to initiate those actions to ensure forces are ready and in position before execution.
Modifying the MDMP
The MDMP can be adapted to fit time-constrained circumstances while still producing a satisfactory plan. In time-constrained conditions, commanders assess the situation, update their visualization, and direct the staff to perform MDMP activities that support the required decisions. In extremely compressed situations, commanders rely on more intuitive decision-making techniques, such as the rapid decision-making and synchronization process.
Army Design Methodology and the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP)
Depending on the situation, commanders conduct Army design methodology before, in parallel with, or after the MDMP. When faced with an unfamiliar problem or when developing initial plans for extended operations, commanders often initiate the Army design methodology before the MDMP. This sequence helps them better understand the operational environment, frame the problem, and develop an operational approach to guide more detailed planning.
Importance of Training and Mastery of the MDMP
Training and mastery of the MDMP are crucial for staffs to effectively apply critical and creative thinking to solve problems and make effective decisions. The MDMP provides a structured and disciplined approach to planning that helps staffs consider various factors, identify potential challenges, and develop feasible and synchronized plans.
References:
- https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA343154.pdf
- https://www.thelightningpress.com/about-the-military-decisionmaking-process-mdmp/
- https://www.army.mil/article/271773/military_decision_making_process_organizing_and_conducting_planning
FAQs
What does MDMP stand for?
MDMP stands for Military Decision-Making Process.
What is the purpose of the MDMP?
The purpose of the MDMP is to provide a systematic and collaborative approach to planning military operations, enabling commanders and staffs to develop feasible and synchronized plans that achieve mission objectives.
What are the key steps of the MDMP?
The key steps of the MDMP include mission receipt, mission analysis, course of action development, course of action analysis, course of action comparison, course of action approval, and orders production.
How does the MDMP facilitate collaboration and information sharing?
The MDMP facilitates collaboration and information sharing by involving various stakeholders, including higher headquarters, subordinate units, supporting and supported units, and other military and civilian partners. It encourages active participation and input from all affected organizations to build a shared understanding of the situation and develop a plan that addresses the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
What is the role of assessment in the MDMP?
Assessment is an integral part of the MDMP, focusing on understanding the current situation and determining what to assess and how to assess progress. It helps commanders and staffs identify critical factors, measure performance, and make informed decisions throughout the planning and execution process.
How does the MDMP drive preparation for operations?
The MDMP drives preparation for operations by conducting a time analysis early in the planning process. This analysis helps commanders and staffs determine the necessary actions and when to initiate those actions to ensure forces are ready and in position before execution. It also involves issuing warning orders (WARNORDs) to direct subordinate units to start necessary movements, conduct task organization changes, and execute other preparation activities.
Can the MDMP be modified to fit time-constrained circumstances?
Yes, the MDMP can be modified to fit time-constrained circumstances. In such situations, commanders assess the situation, update their visualization, and direct the staff to perform MDMP activities that support the required decisions. They may rely on more intuitive decision-making techniques, such as the rapid decision-making and synchronization process, to produce a satisfactory plan within the available time.
How does the Army design methodology relate to the MDMP?
The Army design methodology can be conducted before, in parallel with, or after the MDMP, depending on the situation. It helps commanders understand the operational environment, frame the problem, and develop an operational approach to guide more detailed planning. The results of the Army design methodology inform the MDMP, particularly in the mission analysis and course of action development steps.