Which sequence correctly lists the seven steps of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)?

Which sequence correctly lists the seven steps of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)?

• A. Receive mission; Mission analysis; Develop COA; Analyze COA; COA comparison; Approve COA; Produce orders
• B. Receive mission; Mission analysis; Develop COA; COA comparison; Analyze COA; Produce orders; Approve COA
• C. Mission analysis; Receive mission; Develop COA; Analyze COA; COA comparison; Approve COA; Produce orders
• D. Receive mission; Mission analysis; Develop COA; COA comparison; Approve COA; Analyze COA; Produce orders

Answer: (A)

MDMP follows a fixed flow from understanding the mission to issuing orders. It starts by receiving the mission, which sets the planning context, then moves into mission analysis to understand the situation, constraints, and higher-priority tasks. After that, you develop multiple courses of action to accomplish the mission. Each COA is then analyzed to determine feasibility, risks, and alignment with intent. Once analysis is complete, COAs are compared to identify the best option, which is then approved to proceed. Finally, orders are produced to communicate the plan and assign tasks. This sequence matches how the process builds from understanding the problem to selecting a viable solution and delivering actionable orders. If COA analysis came before COA development, or approval came before comparison and analysis, the process wouldn’t properly evaluate options or authorize a plan.

MDMP follows a fixed flow from understanding the mission to issuing orders. It starts by receiving the mission, which sets the planning context, then moves into mission analysis to understand the situation, constraints, and higher-priority tasks. After that, you develop multiple courses of action to accomplish the mission. Each COA is then analyzed to determine feasibility, risks, and alignment with intent. Once analysis is complete, COAs are compared to identify the best option, which is then approved to proceed. Finally, orders are produced to communicate the plan and assign tasks.

This sequence matches how the process builds from understanding the problem to selecting a viable solution and delivering actionable orders. If COA analysis came before COA development, or approval came before comparison and analysis, the process wouldn’t properly evaluate options or authorize a plan.