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
Course of Action Development
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
Develop Initial COAs
• 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
Develop Initial COAs
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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
an/T
in
Elim
inat
e P
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
(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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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
Initial Testfor Validity
DetermineC2 Means
COA Statement & Sketch
CCTF ApprovesCOAs
StaffEstimates
Vertical &HorizontalPlanning
Course of Action Development
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?
COALITION/COMBINED TASK FORCE TRAINING
MPAT Secretariat
COALITION/COMBINED TASK FORCE TRAINING
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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