Multinational Force Course of Action Development

MPAT Secretariat

Multinational ForceCourse of Action Development

COALITION/COMBINED TASK FORCE TRAINING

Purpose

• Teach techniques and procedures for developing Courses of Action

• Will discuss this as – Part of Commander’s Estimate process– How to stay at the operational-level– To ensure Developed COAs are valid

References

JP 3-0 Doctrine for Joint OperationsJP 3-0 Doctrine for Joint Operations

JP 5-00.2 JTF Planning JP 5-00.2 JTF Planning Guidance & ProceduresGuidance & Procedures

MNF SOP First DraftMNF SOP First DraftMULTINATIONAL FORCE

STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES(MNF SOP)

FIRST DRAFT 1.2LAST UPDATE: 10 July 03

Crisis Action Planning Process

CRISIS

ISituation

Development

IICrisis

Assessment

IVCourse of

ActionSelection

VExecutionPlanning

AND/OR

IIICourse of

ActionDevelopment

IMission Analysis/Restated Mission

IIIAnalysis of Opposing

Courses of Action

IICourse of Action

Development

Commander’s Estimate Process

OPORD

Deployment Data Base

VIExecution

PlanningOrder

AlertOrder

WarningOrder

ExecuteOrder

IVComparison of OwnCourses of Action

VCommander’s

Decision

Key Planning Concepts

• To the extent possible, plans should incorporate the following concepts of joint operation planning doctrine

– Commander’s strategic intent and operational focus– Orientation on the strategic and operational centers of

gravity of the threat– Protection of friendly strategic and operational centers

of gravity– Phasing of operations to include the commanders

intent for each phase

Joint Pub 5-0, II-15

Course of Action Development

• The COA is a broad statement of possible ways the CTF can accomplish its mission

– WHO will accomplish essential tasks– WHAT is the type of mission to be conducted – WHEN the operation must begin or must be

completed– WHERE the assigned areas of operation (AOs)

within the JOA are– WHY or the purpose of the operations– HOW or the method of conducting the operation

using major available resources

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs

Initial Testfor Validity

DetermineC2 Means

COA Statement & Sketch

CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates

Vertical &HorizontalPlanning


Develop Initial COAs

• Plan to plan– One or more groups?– One big group?– Big brain technique?– Simultaneous or sequential development?

• Brainstorm– Be bold in concept– Be general by component– Be open to new ideas– Be unconstrained


• Review mission analysis/CCTF guidance

• Develop plans to integrate the joint environment

• Focus on Centers of Gravity and Decisive Points

• Identify sequencing and phasing for each COA

• Identify main and supporting efforts

• Identify component level missions/tasks

• Develop IO/IW support items

• Develop initial COA sketches and statements

Additional Considerations Additional Considerations


COA 2 includes all of COA 1

COA 3 includes all of COAs 1 & 2

COA 1

COA 2

COA 3

Nested COAsWhat to Avoid What to Avoid

More Pitfalls

PREEMPTING THE COMMANDER’S RESPONSIBILITYIN THE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS ...

- The Intended COA

- The Clone of the Intended COA

- The Throw Away

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



Test the Validity of Each COA

• Test for suitability

• Test for feasibility

• Test for acceptability

• Ensure COAs are distinct (variety)

• Test for completeness

Suitable

• Does it accomplish the mission?• Does it meet the Combatant Commander’s and CCTF’s intent?• Does it accomplish all the essential tasks?• Does it allow the CTF to meet the conditions for the end state?• Does it take into consideration the enemy and friendly centers of gravity?

Feasible

• Does the CTF have the required resources to carry out the COA and accomplish the mission?– Will those resources be available in the JOA

in time?• Forces/Capability• Transportation• Resupply• Facilities

• Can the COA be carried out within the physical environment’s constraints?

• Does it contain unacceptable risks?

• Does it take into account the limitations placed on the CTF?

• Does it contribute to the higher commander’s strategic objectives?

• Can it be accomplished within external constraints, particularly ROE?

• Can it be accomplished against each enemy capability?

Acceptable

Distinguishable/Variety

• Are the COAs significantly different...– From CTF Commander’s perspective?– From the Combatant Commander’s perspective?– From the POTUS/SECDEF perspective?

• COAs can be different when considering...– Focus or direction of main effort– Scheme of maneuver (land, air, maritime, special ops)– Primary mechanism for mission accomplishment– Task Organization– Use of reserves

Complete

• Are the COAs technically complete? Do the COAs adequately answer...– WHO will execute it?– WHAT type of action is contemplated?– WHEN will it begin?– WHERE will it take place? – WHY key actions are required?– HOW will it be accomplished?

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



Determine C2 Means

• Determine command relationships– Operational Control (OPCON)– Tactical Control (TACON)– Support (General, Mutual, Direct, Close)– Others (Administrative control, Coordinating

authority, Direct liaison)

• Organizational options– Service components– Functional components– Subordinate CTFs– Combination of the above

• Determine control measures

CCTFCCTF

“X” FORCES

NATIONAL C2 STRUCTURENATIONAL C2 STRUCTURE

Historically, national component structure has been used in coalition operations, and functional component structure in allied operations

CTF Organizational Structure Examples

CCTFCCTF

CPOTFCPOTFCMARFORCMARFOR CSOTFCSOTFCNAVFORCNAVFOR

FUNCTIONAL C2 STRUCTUREFUNCTIONAL C2 STRUCTURE

CARFORCARFOR CAFFORCAFFOR

“Y” FORCES COALITION – AD HOCCOMBINED – ALLIANCE, TREATY

OR OTHER FORMAL AGREEMENT

CCTFHQ STAFF*

PUERTO PRINCESA/CEBU

CTG BCAGAYAN DE ORO

CTG ACEBU

CFACCCLARK/CEBU

CFMCCUSS ESSEX/CEBU

•KC-135•C-17/C-141/C-5•K/C-130

•ESSEX ARG/MEU•ROKN TF•AUS LSH•UK FF•RPN TF 80•MALAYSIAN LST

•AFP•FI•MAL•SING•TH•BD•MADAGASCAR•CPOTF/CSOTF

•AFP•USA/USMC•UK/NZ/CAN/AUS•ROK•CSOTF/POTF

WESCOMNDCC

Example: Command & Control Structure

*INCLUDES BOARDS, BUREAUS, CELLS:HA/DR COORD BOARD, ATO CHAIR, MTO (MARITIME), INFO OPS, ENGR COORD BOARD, MED SPT COORD BOARDLOG SPT COORD BOARD, CIB

SOUTHCOMVISCOM

COORD

SUPPORTING

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



Prepare COA

• COA statement answers WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW, WHY

• Develop COA sketch

• Task organize the force– Initial organization

Example Phasing/Task Distribution

DEPLOYMENT SHAPING DECISIVE OPS TRANSITIONHalt, Protect & Defend Eject & Eliminate

Init

iate

IO C

amp

aig

n

HA

Co

ord

BP

T N

EO

Est

ablis

h F

OB

AIR

Su

per

iori

ty

MA

RIT

IME

Su

per

iori

ty

BP

T C

M

Pro

tect

/Def

end

Gu

pp

ie/N

essi

e/S

LO

Cs

IDP

MG

MT

EP

W M

GM

T

BP

T M

IO

Sei

ze S

aip

an

Sei

ze T

inia

n

HA

- S

aip

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Elim

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iran

ha

Ab

ility

to

Pro

j Pw

r

Fre

edo

m o

f N

avig

atio

n

HA

Tu

rno

ver

Tu

rn o

ver

to H

N F

orc

es

Red

eplo

y

CFLCC X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XCFMCC X X X X X X X X X X X XCFACC X X X X X X X X X X X XCSOTF X X X X X X XCPOTF X XCMOTF X X X X X XCCTF X X X X X

- Phase Main Effort/Task Supported Commander - Task Supported Commander - Task Supporting Commander

PHASE I: Deployment (C+0 TO C+7)

TASKS

CCTF: Initiate IO, RSOI

CFLCC (ME): RRF Deploys, est FOB

CFACC: Deploy, BPT NEO, Initiate operations to establish Air and Maritime Superiority

CFMCC: Deploy, Initiate operations to establish Air and Maritime Superiority, BPT NEO

CSOTF: Deploy, Est HQ, SR w/in OA

CPOTF: Begin PSYOP

CMOTF: Coord w/ NGO/IO/HN, Est CMOC

RRFL

FOBFOBTROPICALTROPICAL

LIGHTNING LIGHTNING

CVOA 1

FOBFOBISR/AR ISR/AR

CSOTFCSOTFCPOTFCPOTFCMOTFCMOTFAEF(-)AEF(-) ARG

BLUE RIDGECCTF

CFACC

SAG

This phase starts with execute orders from Supported Strategic Cdr. The purpose is immediately deploy forces, establish lodgment and gain SA. The main effort is for CFLCC to establish FOB on Guppie. This phase ends when 1 CVBG and 1 AEF(-) are present, and FOBs are established.

Example Sketch

Example Sketch

This phase completes the introduction of combat forces (Phase II) and begins offensive operations to evict all aggressors from the sovereign territory of Blueland. Operations will be conducted along two axes. Phase is complete upon restoration of territorial integrity of Blueland.

MARFOR:O/O conduct offensive operations to securenorthern approachesto City TARFOR:Deploy ACR to forwardAA. O/O conduct offensive operations to clear central and southernapproaches. Air Aslt/AbnBde est. opnl reserve andrear area defense.AFFOR:Maintain air superiority.Conduct AI and strat atkoperations.NAVFOR:No changeJSOTF:No change

PHASE THREE: Decisive Action

C+31 to C+60

City T

City G

XX

X

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



(Sample Format)

• C2– Updated CIPB– Enemy COAs• Most likely• Most dangerous

• CPG– Updated facts and assumptions– Review Higher Mission and Intent– Review CTF Mission and Intent

Brief COAs to CCTF

Brief COAs to CCTF

• CPG– COA statements (tasks) and sketches

• Command and Control recommendations• Summary of each COA• Rationale for each COA• Risks associated with each COA• Summarize/emphasize distinction among COAs

• Others (C1/C4/C6)– Updated facts and assumption, if available

• CPG– Recommended COAs in priority for wargaming

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



CCTF Approves COAs

• Commander’s options• Approve COAs for further analysis• Direct revisions to COAs– Combinations of COAs– Additional COAs

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



Conduct Initial Staff Estimates

• Each staff element addresses each COA from its own perspective

• Staff prepares for COA analysis, COA comparison, and COA recommendation and selection

Task Steps

Brief COAsto CCTF

DevelopInitial COAs


DetermineC2 Means


CCTF ApprovesCOAs

StaffEstimates



Conduct Concurrent Planning

• Discuss (vertical and horizontal) planning status with counterparts, higher and lower

• Coordinate planning with staff counterparts from other functional areas

• Permits adjustments in planning

Crisis Action Planning Process

CRISIS

ISituation

Development

IICrisis

Assessment

IVCourse of

ActionSelection

VExecutionPlanning

AND/OR

IIICourse of

ActionDevelopment

IMission Analysis/Restated Mission

IIIAnalysis of Opposing

Courses of Action

IICourse of Action

Development

Commander’s Estimate Process

OPORD

Deployment Data Base

VIExecution

PlanningOrder

AlertOrder

WarningOrder

ExecuteOrder

IVComparison of OwnCourses of Action

VCommander’s

Decision

MPAT Secretariat

QUESTIONS?


MPAT Secretariat


Multinational ForceCourse of Action Development

IdentifySequencing

Identify Main and

Supporting Effort

IdentifyComponent

LevelMission/Tasks

DevelopIO/IW

Support

• Simultaneous• Sequential• Combination

• Phase• Purpose• Key supporting/• Supported relationships

Determine Operational

Phasing

Planning CellsDevelop Essential

Tasks

BrainstormInitial COAs

Integrate & Synchronize

Essential Tasks

• Who• What• When• Where• How

• Land• Maritime• Air• Space• Special Ops

Example:I. Pre-hostilitiesII. LodgmentIII. Decisive combatIV. Follow ThroughV. Post-Hostilities & Redeploy

• Focus on COG&decisive points• Use joint architecture

• Maneuver• Fires• C2• Force protection• Support

1. Who will execute (type of forces)?2. What type of action or major tasks are contemplated?3. Where will tasks occur?4. When will tasks begin?5. How? Don’t usurp CTF/Component prerogative.6. Why - For what purpose will each force conduct its part of the operation?

COA Development

Test Validity

• Suitability• Feasibility• Acceptability• Variety• Completeness

Determine Command

Relationships

Refine Battlespace

ConductLift Analysis

Initial COA Sketches

COA Analysis

Summary of COA Development, Analysis, Comparison & Selection

• Enter deployment requirements into JOPES database• Identify infrastructure• Conduct Gross Transportation Feasibility Estimate• Sequencing of forces• Develop movement C2 architecture

COA Deployment COA Deployment ConsiderationsConsiderations

• Statements, sketches & task organization• Warning Order• Evaluation Request Message

+

• Advantages & disadvantages• Wargame record• Staff estimate updates

• Determine comparison criteria

• Construct comparison method

• Conduct COA comparison

• Determine recommended COA

COA AnalysisCOA Analysis

•Gather tools, material, and data•List assumptions, critical events, decision points •Select wargame method•Select technique to record and display wargame results•Conduct wargame

Updated Staff Updated Staff EstimatesEstimates

Component Component InputInput

COA DevelopmentCOA Development• Review tasks, guidance, intent, and mission• Brainstorm • Test draft COAs• Determine C2• Prepare COA statement and sketch• Brief HHQ•Staff estimates are ongoing

Staff EstimatesStaff Estimates

Component Component InputInput

Mission and Mission and TasksTasks

Commander’sCommander’sGuidanceGuidance

COA ComparisonCOA Comparison • Evaluated COAsEvaluated COAs• Staff’s / DHHQ/ Staff’s / DHHQ/ Recommended COARecommended COA

• Evaluated COAsEvaluated COAs• Staff’s / DHHQ/ Staff’s / DHHQ/ Recommended COARecommended COA• Receive deployment estimate

• Conduct TPFDD refinement

COA Deployment COA Deployment ConsiderationsConsiderations+

Commander’sCommander’sOwn Analysis & Own Analysis &

ComparisonComparison

ComponentComponent Parallel Parallel PlanningPlanning

• Review recommendations• Review CJCS/NCA guidance• Apply own analysis, judgment, and experience• Select COA / make appropriate modifications

COA COA SelectionSelection

• Commander’s Commander’s EstimateEstimate

• Warning OrderWarning Order

• Provide Recommended COA

•Receive deployment estimate

•Conduct TPFDD refinement

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Documents

Multinational Force Course of Action Development