Posted on Aug 12, 2018
CH (COL) Geoff Bailey
3
3
0
Troop leading procedures are taught to junior officers as part of their preconmissioning education and basic course. MDMP is not traditionally taught until the career course. Why is this, and should we change this approach?
Avatar feed
Responses: 7
CW3 Michael Bodnar
2
2
0
I think we need to start teaching it as early as we can. I'm currently at a Division G-2 and the entire staff uses it all the time. I conduct hip pocket MDMP training with the Soldiers in my section all the time because I want it in the back of their minds when it comes time to pull the trigger on getting the process started. In addition to teaching the steps, I think we do a terrible job of showing what right looks like and we fully expect our Soldiers to understand and apply it as soon as they are trained. Not only should we be training junior officers but we NEED and SHOULD be teaching this same things to junior to mid-career NCO's as they progress through the ranks.
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
CPT Military Police
1
1
0
I am a current MP CCC student and we are just about to start learning about the MDMP process. Although I question how useful the MDMP process would be to a LT, I would definitely have liked to have seen it prior to coming to CCC. Conducting LPDs at the BN level seems like a easy way to introduce the concept, without overwhelming personnel with information.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Support Operations Ncoic
1
1
0
NCO’s as well. And when we do get it, it’s a quick week in courses such as battle staff or SPO II, which was great but it would’ve be nicer if I was exposed to it before those courses. I wholeheartedly believe that it should be incorporated in NCOES. Much needed for when we begin to assume staff positions or just to become overall well rounded NCO’s and assets to our Officer counterparts.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
Avatar feed
Do we wait too long to teach MDMP to officers?
CW4 UH-60M Pilot
0
0
0
I think the MDMP process is best suited for career courses. Junior officers are already overwhelmed by trying to learn the Army and how it all works. Much like what was already stated MDMP would become back ground noise for these junior officers. To turn the conversation in a different direction I think we need to focus on "who" should learn MDMP. Some officers and enlisted members aren't suited for leadership roles and should be progressed as "Staff" officers or NCOs. While not nearly as glamorous as command certain individuals will never be good commanders but may be exceptional facilitators. The Army needs to stop with the idea that everyone should take a command path and develop those who are not suited for it to be supporting players within the Staff. We place so much emphasis on command that we may not be utilizing certain people in a role they are much better suited for. I worked with a Major who said his dream job would be in the basement of the Pentagon just doing planning. Why not allow officers and NCOs who think like that and make them true planners, allowing them to progress without command billets and utilize their full talent for the betterment of the Army? Just a thought.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LTC John Wilson
0
0
0
We shouldn't teach the MDMP at all. I have dealt with the MDMP since it was called the DDMP in the early 1990s. It is -- at its core -- a Rational Choice Model incongruent with the dynamics of combat.

The MDMP consists of three foundational flaws: it is ill-suited to interactive complexity of the operational environment; it wastes time; and it violates well-established Army Training principles.

Each of these flaws alone is fatal when MDMP is faithfully applied, bit taken together each flaw exacerbates the others.

It is past time to renovate this legacy doctrine. There are other ways to train commanders and staff officers to solve problems as an integrated planning team.
(0)
Comment
(0)
CW3 Michael Bodnar
CW3 Michael Bodnar
>1 y
MAJ, all the services have their buzz phrases to accomplish the same thing. The aim of command and control is to enhance the commander’s ability to make sound and timely decisions. Effective decision making requires both the situational understanding to recognize the essence of a given problem and the creative ability to devise a practical solution. Hence, an essential function of planning is to promote understanding of the problem and to devise ways to solve it. Does MDMP do this? If not, what recommendations would you give to big Army to fix what you consider a waste of time?
(0)
Reply
(0)
LTC John Wilson
LTC John Wilson
>1 y
The MDMP does not do this effectively or efficiently. A simple, five-step process called Tactical Intuitive Problem Solving (TIPS).

1. Receive/Perceive the Mission
2. Mission Analysis (Design)
3. Course of Action Development
4. Course of Action Refinement
5. Transition

Rational Choice Models are geared towards finding the OPTIMUM solution from a series of competing COAs; however, even US Army Planning Doctrine has admitted that even the "best" solution to a given tactical problem stands no better than a 50-50 chance of success.

TIPS seeks to SATISFICE. Take the first COA developed that passes Feasibility, Acceptability, Suitability, and Completeness screening criteria and then war game it extensively, seeking to refine and develop a mature menu of continagencies from the base plan.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
MAJ Corporate Buyer
0
0
0
I don't think so. Young officers are learning so much, so fast that MDMP would be white noise. Plus, MDMP is full-time planning. Doing that while being a PL would be extremely difficult if not impossible.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Vet Technician
0
0
0
In my experience working in a Brigade HQ, junior officers are mostly involve in TLP and still learning that skill. The mid-career /mid-grade officers are involved in the planning. I think it's appropriate to really dive into MDMP at career courses. I have not read the article, but I don't see an issue with the current system
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close