What does course of action development aim to achieve?

Course of action development focuses on determining one or more ways to accomplish the mission while ensuring alignment with the higher commander's intent. This process is critical because it involves analyzing different tactical options that can effectively meet the operational objectives set forth by leadership. The intent of the higher commander serves as a guiding principle, ensuring that all actions taken at the unit level contribute to the overall strategic goals and objectives.

This aspect of course of action development emphasizes creativity and adaptability in tactical planning. By considering various courses of action, leaders can assess the potential effectiveness, risks, and resource implications of each option, selecting the one that best meets the mission requirements while adhering to the established directives.

In contrast, factors such as minimizing resource use or enhancing communication, while important, do not capture the primary aim of course of action development, which is to identify viable strategies that align with the overarching mission objectives. Additionally, providing extensive reports on enemy capabilities is a distinct function related to intelligence and situational awareness rather than the strategic focus of course of action development.