Mission Planning (MDMP)

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The "ins and outs" of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP).

A seven-step process for military decision-making in tactical environments.

Geared towards the ARMA reality.

Understanding the basics of MDMP

The Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is the means by which you (the Commander) are able to put into effect the tactical plan you envision in order to meet your objectives. In Arma like in the real world, planning is the basis for a successful outcome. As the saying goes: "If you fail to plan than you plan to fail".

This process can be seen as both a science and an art. The science are all those quantifiable data points (ammo/fuel requirements; air assets; support types etc). The art are the remaining variables (your tactical choices; ability to be flexible given a changing situation).

The essence to take away is that the MDMP is the best way to make a plan and understanding the consequence of those planning decisions.

Step 1: Recieve the Mission

The decision making process begins with the receipt/anticipation of a new mission.

This can come from a Superior or your own decision to create a mission from a current/on-going operation.

Missions can be given in several ways:

• written orders

• verbal plans

• fragmentary orders (FRAGOs)

Step 2: Mission Analysis

Mission Analysis is the means by which the main and alternate plans are created. It includes organizing the team to meet the mission objectives and making sure they have the means to succeed. It must also take into account the execution of critical tasks as well as the supervision of subordinates. An ability to adjust plans, assets and resources as necessary is fundamental to mission success.

Step 1. Analyze the Higher Headquarters’ Order

• State the mission (who, what, where, when and why)

Step 2. Conduct Initial Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)

• Understand the initial intellegence data points (known enemy composition/disposition )

Step 3. Determine Specified, Implied and/or Essential Tasks

• Furfilling the task(s) will help you accomplish your mission

Step 4. Review Available Assets

• What type(s) of Support do you posses or have access to (CAS/ artillery, medical, reserve forces)

Step 5. Determine Constraints

• What limitations have you been given (ex: do not destroy civilian infrastructure)

Step 6. Identify Critical Facts and Assumptions

• Know the difference between facts and assumptions

Step 7. Conduct Risk Assessment

• Identify each hazard and control methods to mitiagte them (ex: air movement in known AA area)

Step 8. Determine Initial Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR)

• Identify and solve those IRs that must be answered to help accomplish the mission (does the enemy posses AA capabilities?)

Step 9. Determine the Initial Reconnaissance Annex

• Plan to utilize a recon to settle "fact vs. assumptions"

Step 10. Plan Use of Available Time

• 1/3 - 2/3 rule. Take 1/3 of the time to plan and give your Soldiers 2/3 to prepare the plan

• Time constraints upon which task(s) must be completed (clear OBJ by 2400hrs)

Step 11. Write the Restated Mission

• With all the help of the previous steps/information/assets/recon restate your objectives

Step 12. Conduct a Mission Analysis Briefing

• With all the information gained from the steps above, brief your subordinates

Step 13. Approve the Restated Mission

• Ensure that a new mission statement is cleard by higher headquarters

Step 14. Develop the Initial Commander’s Intent

• The methodology subordinates will use to achieve the necessary task(s) as seen by the Commander (operate only during daytime hours, do not use heavy weapons in urban dwellings)

Step 15. Issue the Commander’s Guidance

• With new information and/or a restated mission, the Commander might change his/her guidance

Step 16. Issue a Warning Order

• Once the guidance has been given, issue a tentative plane to subordinates

Step 17. Review Facts and Assumptions

• As any new facts/assumptions arise they must be added into the planning phase(s)

Step 3-6: COA - Course Of Action

After Mission Analysis is complete, several COAs must be planned and 1 must be decided upon.

Step 3: Development

• formulate a plan given the mission analysis performed earlier

Step 4: War gaming the COAs:

• each COA must be analyized from the enemy's perspective. Shortcomings must be addressed

Step 5: Comparison

• each COA must be reviewed and discussed

Step 6: Approval

• a COA must be picked and approved by the Commander

Important COA considerations are:

• Suitable - It must conform to the Commanfer's Intent and complete the mission

• Feasable- The unit must be able to carry out the COA (tactical/technical ability)

• Distinguishable - Each COA must offer a different to obtain the same result

• Complete - The final COA must offer future operation plans and adaptability to contingencies

War gaming the COAs:
Each COA must be analyized from the enemy's perspective. Shortcomings must be addressed. Ultimately, one COA must be decided upon.

Step 7: Operational Order Produciton (OPORD)

Mission requirements:

• analized in all its various aspects

• a COA picked out

Once these above mentioned criteria are satisfied, Operational Orders must be prepared and dissimenated.

The OPORD is a planning format meant to put your plans down on paper. An OPORD describes the situation the unit faces (enemy/friendly), the mission of the unit (who. what, where, when and why) and what supporting activities (other military actions, supplies) the unit will conduct in order to achieve their commander's desired end state.

Troop Leading Procedures

One of the basic MDMPs methods to plan is called The Troop Leading Procedures.

These steps help you organize your efforts in planning and executing your mission.

For now, just understand the basics of the TLPs and see an upcoming guide for more information.

Step 1. Receive the Mission
Step 2. Issue a warning order
Step 3. Make a tentative plan
Step 4. Start necessary movement
Step 5. Reconnoiter
Step 6. Complete the plan
Step 7. Issue the complete order
Step 8. Conduct rehearsals
Step 9. Supervise

[The Fourth Horseman]

5 years late to the party but, its spelt "Seminar", those in glass houses should'nt throw stones.
this guide is pretty useful for those who have no idea about planning and organisation in relation to team objectives and mission planning.

[Myth]

I appreciate the insight! I've always wanted to see more of these in-depth Army planning techniques but never really knew what to search for. Thanks man!

[Dantanius]

It shows.

[Greybeard]

Yup, pretty much...

[Dantanius]

Did you just have a sceminar in school and decide that you're an expert, like the psyche 101 students who think they're mind readers after one class?