In planning and MDMP, how is the D3A decide function applied?

• A. The decide function is used during planning to analyze guidance and determine targets, locations, and timing, but does not involve allocating assets.
• B. During planning, the D3A decision process is not used.
• C. During planning and MDMP the staff uses D3A to analyze the guidance, determine the right targets, at the right place, at the right time, and apply the required assets to create desired effects.
• D. D3A emphasizes a time-constrained, rigid sequence of steps.

Answer: (C)

In planning and MDMP, the decide function is about turning guidance into concrete, actionable choices. It involves selecting the right targets, deciding where and when to strike, and determining the assets you must apply to produce the desired effects. This means the staff analyzes the commander’s intent and directives, prioritizes targets, plans sequencing, and allocates forces, weapons, surveillance, and other resources to achieve specific outcomes. It’s not just identifying targets or ignoring resources; it’s about marrying targeting decisions to the available means so the plan can generate the intended effects at the right place and time.

That makes the option describing this overall approach the best fit. It’s not about avoiding asset allocation, not about abandoning the D3A in planning, or treating the process as a rigid, time-constrained sequence.