What is a key activity in the Course of Action Development step?

In the Course of Action Development step, the primary focus is on creating multiple courses of action that can be realistically executed to achieve the mission objectives. This phase is essential because it allows planners to explore various possibilities, including different strategies and tactics, that can be implemented depending on the circumstances encountered.

Having multiple courses of action enables teams to remain flexible and adapt to changing situations. It encourages creativity and comprehensive thinking, which ensures that planners are not just settling for the first solution that seems viable but instead are assessing a range of options that can be weighed and evaluated in subsequent steps of the planning process. This systematic approach fosters a better understanding of potential outcomes and risks associated with each course of action.

The other activities listed, such as evaluating COAs or transitioning plans to execution, take place in later stages of the planning process. They are critical steps, but they follow the initial development of multiple courses of action, demonstrating that creating options is foundational before further analysis or implementation can occur.