ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Chapter 2 66 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 Figure 2-11. The MDMP Step 5. COA comparison overview COA Comparison Techniques 2-220. Planners use several techniques when comparing COAs. They all vary in subjectivity and objectivity. Choose a technique that best captures benefits and risk to assist the commander with decision making. While each technique is different, a decision matrix is the best way to present and compare information. Figure 2-12 is an example decision matrix that planners can use as a starting point and can modify to meet the commander's needs. Evaluation criteria name Evaluation criteria definition COA 1 raw data COA 1 score COA 2 raw data COA 2 score Total/Result: Figure 2-12. Example decision matrix Note. No "best way" exists to score evaluation criteria. The key is deciding which of several techniques best helps the commander determine benefits and risks to enable decision making. Regardless of the technique used, remind the commander of the definitions the staff used to analyze the COAs along with the raw score resulting from their analysis. This helps commanders understand the staffs' analysis and assists with their own mental calculations. A decision matrix is a starting point for dialogue between the commander and their staff. Planners can weight the scores if the commander wants certain evaluation criteria to have a stronger effect on the overall decision.