What key factors are assessed during a Course of Action Comparison?

The assessment of a Course of Action (COA) typically revolves around four key criteria: feasibility, acceptability, suitability, and completeness.

Feasibility refers to whether the proposed COA is practical and achievable given the available resources, time, and circumstances. It essentially assesses whether the mission can be accomplished as proposed.

Acceptability evaluates the political and social ramifications of the COA. This factor checks if the benefits of the action outweigh the potential costs, and whether the COA aligns with broader strategic objectives and constraints.

Suitability determines if the COA will effectively fulfill the mission's objectives. It examines how well the proposed action addresses the problem or task at hand.

Completeness ensures that the COA addresses all necessary aspects of the mission. This means considering all elements required for successful execution and that all critical factors have been accounted for.

Together, these criteria enable military leaders to conduct a thorough and methodical comparison of different COAs, leading to better decision-making in planning and executing missions.