Which phase of the MDMP focuses on developing various strategies to achieve the mission?

The phase of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) that focuses on developing various strategies to achieve the mission is indeed Course of Action Development. During this phase, the staff translates the commander’s intent and the understanding of the operational environment into actionable plans. This involves brainstorming different ways to accomplish the objectives outlined during the Mission Analysis phase.

The purpose of this phase is to generate a range of possible courses of action (COAs) that align with the mission’s intent, which can later be analyzed and compared. It encourages creativity and thoroughness, ensuring that all potential approaches to achieving the mission are considered before any decisions are made.

The other phases, while important in the overall decision-making process, serve different roles. For example, Mission Analysis is dedicated to defining the mission and understanding its aspects, while Course of Action Analysis and Comparison evaluates the feasibility and suitability of COAs. Receipt of Mission is more about the initial understanding and acknowledging the mission, setting the stage for further planning. Each phase builds upon the last to ensure a comprehensive approach to military decision-making, but Course of Action Development is specifically where the strategies come to life.