Reference: MNF SOP Version 3.0 Military Decision Making Process-Multinational (MDMP-M) Overview Multinational Planning Augmentation Team Mobile Training Team (MPAT MTT) March 2016 1
Purpose Provide an introduction and overview to the Military Decision Making Process Multinational (MDMP-M) What is the Purpose of the Process The MDMP-M Process (greater depth in later briefs) Reference Multinational Force Standing Operating Procedures (MNF SOP) 2
What is MDMP-M? MDMP-M is part of the Commander s Decision Cycle It focuses on interaction between the Commander, staff, and Commander s staffs of higher / lower commands Provides a process to Analyze the mission Develop, analyze and compare COAs Select the best COA Produce a plan/order Orderly, analytical, logical 3
Key Steps Commander s Appreciation and Operational Design Mission Analysis COA Development COA Analysis and Gaming COA Comparison COA Approval & Commander s Estimate Plan / Order Development Execution, Assessment and Execution Planning 4
5 MDMP-M Planning Staff Planning Groups Planning Group Members & Reps: Numbered Directorate Representatives Public Affairs Legal/Judge Advocate Medical MNF Components Representatives from MNF coordination centers (MNCC, CLCC, CMOC, etc.) Liaisons from other boards/cells Planning Groups provide a cross-functional environment to promote the development of concepts and information sharing to ensure an integrated MNF planning effort Commander communications are critical
MDMP-M Planning OIPE Operational Intelligence Preparation of the Environment 6
MDMP-M Process: Commander s Appreciation & Design Commander s Appreciation and Design is intended to orient the Commander and staff & craft a framework for planning Commander s Appreciation and Design provides a shared understanding of the environment, problem and desired end-states 7
MDMP-M Process: Step 1 Mission Analysis Mission Analysis is intended to refine understanding of the problem and clarify the purpose of the operation The process outlines the MNF commander s accepted responsibilities and limitations The analysis will include: Facts Assumptions Limitations Tasks Force structure End-states Gaps in knowledge Mission Analysis output is a restated mission statement and enumeration of military end-state conditions 8
MDMP-M Process: Step 2 COA Development 9 COA Development merges art and science of planning to: Provide possible solutions Focus planning Allow for follow-on assessment Each COA outlines: Military actions DIME (diplomatic, informational, military and economic) support requirements Purpose of each action Forces and resources Deployment concept Time required to achieve mission success or termination Concept for a theater reserve COAs must be suitable, feasible, acceptable, distinct and complete
MDMP-M Process: Step 3 COA Analysis & Gaming COAs Analysis and Gaming takes a step-by-step approach by analyzing each separate COA against not only the Force Commander s intent and design but also the threat and the environment It furthers shared understanding of the operational environment and potential impacts of actions upon this environment COA gaming involves an action-reactioncounteraction method Analysis should reveal: Potential decision points Task organization adjustment Data for a synchronization matrix Identification of high-value targets / objectives A risk assessment COA advantages and disadvantages Recommended CCIRs (Commander s Critical Information Requirements) 10
MDMP-M Process: Step 4 COA Comparison COAs are compared against a set of criteria established by the staff and Commander Goal is to identify strengths and weaknesses so that a COA with the highest probability of success can be selected or developed The selected COA should: Mitigate risk to the force and mission Provide maximum latitude for subordinates Provide the most flexibility to meet unexpected threats and opportunities Criteria for ranking will come from guidance, doctrine, and operational design 11
MDMP-M Process: Step 5 COA Approval The staff determines the best COA to recommend to the Commander The staff briefs the commander on the COA comparison, the analysis, and gaming results The Commander approves a COA or directs alternate COA be developed The Commander s Estimate is developed and forwarded to HHQ Approved COA should have best chance of accomplishing military end-state conditions 12
MDMP-M Process: Step 6 Plan & Order Development Staff develops a plan / order by expanding the approved COA The first step is developing a CONOPS that includes: Commander s intent Component and supporting organization actions Friendly and threat COGs (Centers of Gravity) OPTEMPO (Operational Tempo) Links among objectives, lines of operations, decision points and supporting effects Second, the plan/order is developed including annexes and appendices ROC (Rehearsal of Concept) drill conducted CONOPS becomes centerpiece of EXORD 13
MDMP-M Process: Step 7 Execution Planning Planning does not end with the beginning of execution Assessment links planning and execution Learning during execution Informs decision making Supports intuition, experience, and judgment Supports plan adjustment 14
Review 15
Discussion