What is the outcome of the final approval step?

• A. The best COA is written into an official policy.
• B. Resources are distributed to the staff.
• C. Final report is filed with no action.
• D. The commander decides and directs resources to the best COA.

Answer: (D)

Final approval is the moment the commander selects the best Course of Action and directs the necessary resources to implement it. After developing and analyzing potential COAs, this step commits to one option and allocates forces and support to make it happen, moving the plan into execution. Writing the COA into policy would overstep the directive nature of planning, and filing a final report with no action happens after execution to document results. Simply distributing resources to staff isn’t about approving and funding the chosen course of action.