Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 1
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making

Process
MISSION RECEIVED
STAFF ACTIONS CDR ACTIONS
INFO TO CDR INFO TO STAFF
MSN ANALYSIS
MISSION ANALYSIS RESTATED MSN CDRS
PROPOSED RESTATED MSN CDRS GUIDANCE
STAFF EST
COA DEVELOPMENT COA DEVELOPMENT/
EST ANALYSIS
COA ANALYSIS, COA COMPARISON
COMPARISON, AND DECISION
RECOMMENDATION
PREP PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO PLAN/ORDER/
FRAGO APPROVAL
ISSUE PLAN/
ORDER/FRAGO
MSN RECD BY
SUB UNITS
EXECUTION

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 2
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
Process
RECEIPT OF MISSION
WARNING ORDER

MISSION ANALYSIS
WARNING ORDER
COA DEVELOPMENT

COA ANALYSIS

COA COMPARISON

COA APPROVAL
WARNING ORDER
ORDERS PRODUCTION

REHEARSAL

EXECUTION & ASSESSMENT

FM 101-5 pg 5-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 3
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making

Process
WARNING ORDER #__ Copy __ of __ Copies
References: Issuing headquarters
1. SITUATION Place of issue
a. Enemy forces. Date-time group of signature
b. Friendly forces. Message reference no.
(1) Mission
(2) Commanders Intent
c. Attachments and detachments.
2. MISSION
3. EXECUTION
Intent (when available).
a. Concept of operation (when available). Assembly area locations (If applicable, when available).
b. Tasks to maneuver units (when available).
(1) Reconnaissance.
(2) Surveillance
(2) Security
c. Tasks to combat support units (when available).
d. Coordinating instructions.
(1) Earliest movement time and degree of notice.
(2) Orders group meeting (attendees, location, and time) (when applicable).
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Special equipment.
b. Transportation.
5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL

ACKNOWLEDGE:

NAME (Commanders last name)

RANK (Commanders rank)
OFFICIAL:
ANNEXES:
DISTRIBUTION:
FM 101-5 pgs H-27/28
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 4
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

7 Steps

Receipt of mission
Mission analysis
Course of action development
Course of action analysis
Course of action comparison
Course of action approval
Orders production

FM 101-5 pg 5-3
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 5
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making Process
Step 1
Input Output

Mission of Higher Receipt of Mission Cdrs Initial Guidance

- Initial Assessment
- Update Staff Estimates Warning Order 1
- Prepare for Mission Analysis

FM 101-5 pgs 5-3, 5-4

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 6
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 2
Input Output

Mission Initial IPB Products

Mission Analysis
Restated Mission
Staff Estimates - Analysis of Higher Msn/Intent
- Identify Specified / Implied Tasks / Cdrs Intent / Guidance
Facts & Assumptions
Essential Tasks Warning Order 2
- Review Task Org / Assets
- Determine Restrictions / Constraints Staff Products
- Assess Risk Battlefield Framework
- Identify Critical Facts / Assumptions
Preliminary Movement

FM 102-5 pgs 5-4, 5-5

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 7
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Definition of
Commanders Intent
The commanders intent is a clear, concise statement of
what the force must do to succeed with respect to the
enemy and the terrain, and the desired end state. It
provides the link between the mission and the concept of
operations by stating the key tasks that, along with the
mission, are the basis for subordinates to exercise initiative
when unanticipated opportunities arise or when the original
concept of operations no longer applies. Intent is normally
expressed in four or five sentences and is mandatory for all
orders. The mission and the commanders intent must be
understood two echelons down.
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 8
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Intent Statement

Commanders intent statement should state

the following:
Key tasks
End state

FM 101-5 pg 5-9
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 9
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Key Tasks For
Commanders Intent
Tasks that must be performed, or conditions that must be
met, to achieve stated purpose of the operation
Not tied to specific course of action, but fundamental to
the forces success
Subordinates use these tasks to keep their efforts
supporting the commanders intent
Examples
Tempo
Duration
Terrain that must be controlled
Effect on the enemy
FM 101-5 pg 5-9
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 10
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Example Commanders Intent
Mission
At 112130JUL97, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to PL VIRGINIA to defeat the 61 BDE
(MTZD) and establish a covering force NLT 120600JUL97 from PL ALABAMA to
PL MAINE to protect CORPS assembly areas. On order, 1 CAV DIV attacks in zone to
PL FLORIDA to defeat the remaining enemy forces. On order, defends in sector from
PL ILLINOIS to PL VIRGINIA to defeat enemy attacks across the international border.

Commander's Intent
I want to rapidly defeat the remaining enemy forces in zone to PL ALABAMA to
establish a covering force. The covering force will protect the division until we are
prepared for combat and facilitate the forward passage of the heavy brigades, allowing
the heavy brigades to rapidly defeat enemy forces in zone to PL FLORIDA, and posture
the division to destroy any enemy counterattacks across the international border. End
state is the international border restored and the division defending in sector along PL
FLORIDA prepared to defeat any enemy attacks across the international border.

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 11
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Military Decision Making
Process
13 Elements of commanders guidance
Specify COAs, friendly & enemy, and the priority for addressing them
The CCIR
Reconnaissance guidance
Risk guidance
Deception guidance
Fire support guidance
Mobility & countermobility guidance
Security measures to be implemented
Additional specific priorities for CS and CSS
Other information the Cdr wants the staff to consider
The time plan
Type of order to issue
Type of rehearsal to conduct FM 101-5 pg 5-10
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 12
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Commanders Critical Information
Requirements
(CCIR)

Supports the commanders battlefield visualization

Identifies critical decisions
Assists in determining or validating COAs
Helps filter information available to the commander
Focuses the efforts of subordinates and staff
Assists in the allocation of resources
Assists staff officers in making recommendations
10 or less items of information
Directly affects the success or failure of the mission
FM 101-5 pg 5-7
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 13
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Commanders Critical Information
Requirements
(CCIR)

PIR - Information about the enemy.

Example: Are the 14 TMD and 13 ID DAGs located vicinity NAI 17
(CH 4535) and NAI 14 (CH3736) respectively? LTIOV: 252300JUL97

EEFI - Information needed to protect friendly forces from

the enemys information-gathering systems.
Example: Location of brigade command posts.

FFIR - Information about the capabilities of own or

adjacent units.
Example: First contact with enemy.
Combat power below designated level.

FM 101-5 pg 5-8
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 14
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
PLANNING PROCESS COMMANDER STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS

MISSION ANALYSIS
Prepare charts for mission analysis X
Prepare terrain sketches X
Update and post unit reports/status X X
Prepare TOC for planning process X X
Conduct mission analysis X X X
Serve as a recorder during process X X
Brief commander and staff X X
COMMANDERS GUIDANCE
Assist Cdr in developing guidance X X
Issue guidance X
Record/post Cdrs guidance X X X

COA DEVELOPMENT
Prepare charts X
Sketch COAs X
Develop COAs X X X

FM 101-5 pg K-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 15
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In The Military Decision
Making Process
(continued)
PLANNING PROCESS COMMANDER STAFF OFFICERS STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS

COA ANALYSIS
Collect and prepare tools/charts X
Serve as a war-game recorder X X
Conduct war-game session X X X

DECISION
Make recommendation to Cdr X X
Decide X
Record/post Cdrs guidance X X X

ORDERS PREP
Write annexes X X
Consolidate annexes X X
Type order X X
Reproduce orders/graphics X
Review order X X X
Approve order X

FM 101-5 pg K-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 16
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS

Workshop #2

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 17
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 3

Input Output

Restated Mission COA Stmts / Sketches

Course of Action Development
Cdr's Guidance / Intent - Analyze Relative Combat Power
Staff Estimates - Generate Options
- Array Initial Forces
Enemy COAs
- Develop the Scheme of Maneuver
- Assign Headquarters
- Prepare COA Statements / Sketches

FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-11

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 18
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Development
Criteria

Suitability

Feasibility

Acceptability

Distinguishability

Completeness

FM 101-5 pg 5-11
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 19
 COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
CFL 52 DIV CFL 52 DIV
LOA LOA
200100 MAY 97 200100 MAY 97
37(PL WISCONSIN) OBJ (PL WISCONSIN)
42 SABER
TONGDUCH

O/O FEBA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE OBJ
BAYONET

PL IOWA PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD

PL NEBRASKA PL NEBRASKA

X
3 X 1 52 ID X MNC
X 57
03
LD/LC LD/LC
(PL NEVADA) (PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJs will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tms in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Combined Armsvic. .PL. NEVADA
Main CP will position Decisive priorVictory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective. MDMP 20
 COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
CFL 52 DIV CFL 52 DIV
LOA LOA
O/O O/O
37(PL WISCONSIN) (PL WISCONSIN)
42
TONGDUCH

FEBA
FEBA
(PL FLORIDA) X
(PL FLORIDA)
TAC

PL IOWA PL IOWA
X
EA EA
DALLAS
AUSTIN MAIN AA
SCABBARD

PL NEBRASKA PL NEBRASKA

AA X
3 X 1 HILT 52 ID X MNC
X 57

PL NEVADA PL NEVADA 03

Course of Action: On order, BDE defends from PL FLORIDA to PL NEVADA with two task forces abreast to defeat the advance
guard and lead battalions; a task force in depth, the defeat mechanism, will counter attack to defeat the enemy. Forward battalions
establish screen from PL WISCONSIN to PL FLORIDA. The tank heavy task force establishes a combat outpost in TONGDUCH
to engage enemy reconnaissance and force deployment of the Advanced Guard Battalion. Indirect fires neutralize Advance Guard in
security zone. A tank heavy task force, main effort, in the east defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat the advance
guard and first echelon battalion. An infantry battalion in the west defends in sector from PL FLORIDA to PL IOWA to defeat a first
echelon battalion. A mech heavy task force occupies AA SCABBARD; on order main effort counterattacks into EA DALLAS or
EA AUSTIN to defeat the second echelon battalion. Priority of fires to main effort battalion. Use blocking obstacles to shape EA DALLAS
or EA AUSTIN once enemy main effort is identified, to support mech heavy TFs CATK. A mech team, brigade reserve, occupies
AA HILT, prepared to defeat penetrations of PL NEBRASKA or respond to level II rear area threats. DS and R artillery with Q36 radar
positioned forward between PL FLORIDA Combined
and PL IOWA.Arms . . . Decisive
Risk is accepted by having a Victory
small reserve in order to defeat penetrations of
MDMP 21
 COA #1
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
CFL 52 DIV CFL 52 DIV
LOA LOA
200100 MAY 97 200100 MAY 97
37(PL WISCONSIN) OBJ (PL WISCONSIN)
42 SABER
TONGDUCH

O/O FEBA
O/O FEBA
(PL FLORIDA)
(PL FLORIDA)
OBJ KNIFE OBJ
BAYONET

PL IOWA PL IOWA
AA
SCABBARD

PL NEBRASKA PL NEBRASKA

X
3 X 1 52 ID X MNC
X 57
03
LD/LC LD/LC
(PL NEVADA) (PL NEVADA)
Course of Action: BDE attacks frontally with two task forces abreast at 200630 May 97 with a mech heavy task force conducting
the main attack in zone in the east to seize OBJ BAYONET to defeat an enemy battalion. Priority of indirect fires initially to
counterbattery then neutralization of enemy forces at the point of attack. Smoke will be used to isolate enemy positions at the
point of attack. A 20 minute prep on the OBJs will be fired to suppress enemy forces. An infantry battalion conducts a supporting
attack in zone in the west to seize OBJ KNIFE to defeat an enemy battalion. A tank heavy task force follows the mech heavy task
force and assumes the main effort to defeat the second echelon battalion vicinity OBJ SABER. Lead battalions provide frontal and
flank security. A mech team, brigade reserve, follows the tank heavy task force prepared to reinforce the main effort or respond to
threats to LOC. DS, R artillery and Q36 radar will initially position forward along PL NEVADA. One battery from the DS and one
battery from the R battalion will initially move behind the lead Co/Tms in the right and left zone, respectively. The Q36 radar will
move with the mech heavy TF. BDE Combined Armsvic. .PL. NEVADA
Main CP will position Decisive priorVictory
to attack. TAC CP will follow mech heavy TF.
Risk is accepted by having a small reserve in order to mass combat power on the objective. MDMP 22
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS

Workshop #3

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 23
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 4

Input Output

Enemy COA
Course of Action Analysis War Game Results
COA Stmts / Sketches
- Conduct War Game
Task Organization
Staff COA
Mission to Subordinates

CCIR

FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-16

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 24
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Course of Action Analysis

War Gaming Rules

Remain unbiased
List advantages and disadvantages (as found)
Continually assess COA feasibility, acceptability, and
suitability
Avoid drawing premature conclusions and gathering
facts to support such conclusions
Compare COAs during comparison process: Not
during war game

FM 101-5 pg 5-16
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 25
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Course of Action Analysis War

Gaming Steps
Gather the tools
List all friendly forces
List assumptions
List known critical events and decision points
Determine evaluation criteria
Select the war game method (avenue/belt/box)
Select method to record and display results (synch
matrix or sketch note)
War game the battle and assess the results
FM 101-5 pg 5-17
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 26
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results 1 OF 3

Modified COA
Modified location and timing of the decisive point
Identification of key terrain
Refinement of enemy event template & matrix
Refinement of task organization
Identification of subordinate units tasks
Allocation of combat, CS and CSS assets to subordinates
The synchronization matrix and decision support template
Estimate duration of each critical event / entire operation
Projection of enemy force destruction
Identification of location and commitment of reserve
FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 27
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results 2 OF 3

Identify likely times and areas for enemy use of WMD and friendly
NBC requirements
Most dangerous enemy COA
Location of commander and CPs
Identify additional critical events
Identify additional CS and CSS requirements
Requirements for deception and surprise
Refined C2 requirements
Finalize CCIR and IR with LTIOV
Finalize R&S plan
Refined CCIR and incorporate into R&S plan and graphics

FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 28
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Analysis
War Game Results 3 OF 3

Develop FS, Engr, AD, IO, CSS plans and graphics

Identify / confirm DPs / NAIs, TAIs
Timing of force concentration & initiation of the attack or
counterattack
Develop the intel collection and dissemination plan
Determine movement times and tables
Identify, analyze, and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of the
COA
Integrate targeting process
Synchronize smoke
Identify additional risks, develop control measures

FM 101-5 pgs 5-23, 5-24

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 29
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 5
Input Output

War Game Results Course of Action Comparison Decision Matrix

Establish Criteria - Assess Risk

- Compare COAs
- Recommendation

FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-24

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 30
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Course of Action Comparison

Select comparison method

Determine decision criteria

Assign weighting values to criteria

Make recommendation

FM 101-5 pg 5-24
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 31
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

MILITARY DECISION
MAKING PROCESS

Workshop #4

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 32
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

If the band played a piece first with the

piccolo then with the brass horn, then with the
clarinet, and then with the trumpet, there
would be a hell of a lot of noise but no music.
To get harmony in the music, each instrument
must support the others, to get harmony in
battle, each weapon must support the others.
Team play wins.
General George S. Patton
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 33
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
Orders
There is a type of staff officer who
seems to think that it is more important
to draft immaculate orders than to get
out a reasonably well-worded order in
time for action to be taken before the
situation changes or the opportunity
passes. BH Liddell Hart
Thoughts on War
1933

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 34
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 6

Input Output

Approved COA
Decision Matrix Course of Action Approval
- Select COA Refined Cdrs Intent
- Assess Risk Specified Type of Order /
- Specify Type of Order Rehearsal

High Pay-Off Target List

Warning Order 3

FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-26

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 35
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

OPORD / OPLAN Development

Guidelines / Characteristics 1 OF 2

Address critical facts and assumptions

Authoritative expression
Positive expression
Avoiding unqualified directives
Balance
Simplicity
Be concise
Clarity
Completeness

FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 36
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

OPORD / OPLAN Development

Guidelines / Characteristics 2 OF 2

Coordination
Flexibility
Clear, concise mission and intent statements
Centralized planning
Decentralized execution
Use of existing resources
Timeliness

FM 101-5 pgs H-3, H-4

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 37
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making Process

Step 7
Input Output

Approved COA Orders Production OPORD / OPLAN

- Translate into Plan / Order

- Incorporate Branches and Sequels
- Establish Control Measures
- Synchronize Plan / Order

FM 101-5 pgs 5-4, 5-26

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 38
 Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training
NCOs In TOC OPS
TOC FUNCTION XO BATTLE CPT STAFF NCOs RTOs/CLERKS
RECEIVE INFORMATION
Monitor situation X X X X
Receive messages/reports X X
Maintain journal X X
Update post unit locations X X
Update status boards/charts X X
DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION
Submit reports X X
Publish orders X X
Pass messages/reports within TOCs X X X

ANALYZE INFORMATION
Review in/out going reports/orders X X X
Conduct predictive analysis X X X
Identify CCIR X X X X
Conduct TDMP X X X
Serve as recorders X X
Develop terrain Sketches X X
prepare charts and overlays X
MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO CDR X X X
INTEGRATE/SYNCH RESOURCES X X
Reference: CALL Newsletter 95-12, DEC 95, Tactical Decision Making: Abbreviated Planning

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 39
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

NCO Use

NCOs involvement
Enforce duties and responsibilities
Battlestaff trained NCOs

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 40
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making

Process

Rehearsal
- 5 Types of Rehearsals
- Confirmation Brief
- Backbrief
- Combined Arms Rehearsal
- Support Rehearsal
- Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal

FM 101-5 pgs 5-2, G-1/2

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 41
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

Military Decision Making

Process

Execution & Assessment

FM 101-5 pg 5-2
Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory
MDMP 42
Brigade Command & Battle Staff Training

MILITARY
DECISION
MAKING
PROCESS

Combined Arms . . . Decisive Victory

MDMP 44