What is the second step of the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP)?

In the Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP), the second step is Mission analysis. This step involves a comprehensive examination of the mission to understand its purpose and the overall context within which it is situated. During this phase, leaders analyze various elements, such as the commander's intent, the operational environment, and any constraints or limitations that may affect the mission.

By effectively executing mission analysis, planners can identify critical tasks that need completion, understand the resources available, and establish clear objectives. This foundational knowledge is essential for ensuring that subsequent steps, including Course of Action (COA) development and analysis, are aligned with the mission's goals and context.

In contrast, the other options—such as COA analysis, COA development, and orders production—represent subsequent steps that rely on the insights gained during the mission analysis. Without this critical second step, the effectiveness of later stages can be significantly compromised, as the planning may lack the necessary alignment with the mission requirements and challenges.