Which MDMP step involves formally authorizing the COA for execution?

Which MDMP step involves formally authorizing the COA for execution?

• A. Mission Analysis
• B. Courses of Action Development
• C. Course of Action Approval
• D. Orders Production, Dissemination, and Transition

Answer: (C)

Formal authorization to execute a COA happens when the commander approves it after thorough analysis and comparison. This step is the official decision point that moves a chosen course of action from consideration to action, confirming it is feasible, acceptable, and aligned with higher guidance and risk tolerance. Once approval is granted, the staff can finalize plans and begin producing and disseminating the orders needed to execute the chosen COA. The other steps—mission understanding, developing multiple COAs, analyzing and wargaming them, and comparing options—lead up to that approval, but do not itself authorize execution.

Formal authorization to execute a COA happens when the commander approves it after thorough analysis and comparison. This step is the official decision point that moves a chosen course of action from consideration to action, confirming it is feasible, acceptable, and aligned with higher guidance and risk tolerance. Once approval is granted, the staff can finalize plans and begin producing and disseminating the orders needed to execute the chosen COA. The other steps—mission understanding, developing multiple COAs, analyzing and wargaming them, and comparing options—lead up to that approval, but do not itself authorize execution.