Which sequence correctly lists the MDMP steps in order?

• A. Receipt of Mission -> Mission Analysis -> COA Development -> COA Analysis/Comparison -> COA Approval -> Plan/Order Development -> Plan Execution/Order Review
• B. Mission Analysis -> Receipt of Mission -> COA Development -> COA Analysis/Comparison -> COA Approval -> Plan/Order Development -> Plan Execution/Order Review
• C. COA Development -> COA Analysis/Comparison -> Mission Analysis -> Receipt of Mission -> COA Approval -> Plan/Order Development -> Plan Execution/Order Review
• D. COA Analysis/Comparison -> COA Development -> Mission Analysis -> Receipt of Mission -> COA Approval -> Plan/Order Development -> Plan Execution/Order Review

Answer: (A)

The sequence starts with receiving the mission and then analyzing it to truly understand what’s being asked and what limits, assumptions, and risks exist. Only after that understanding is established can you credibly develop multiple Courses of Action to achieve the mission. You then evaluate and compare those COAs to pick the best option, obtain approval to proceed, and then turn that chosen option into a concrete plan and order. Finally, execution and ongoing review ensure the plan is carried out and adjusted as needed.

Why this order fits: you can’t brainstorm viable actions without a clear mission and problem statement, and you can’t judge potential solutions without first analyzing the mission’s requirements and constraints. Proceeding in any other order risks creating plans that don’t align with higher intent or ignore critical risks.

Other sequences either place analysis before you even know the mission, or jump to planning and approval without properly evaluating options, which would undermine the quality and coherence of the final plan.