What is the purpose of Step 4 COA Analysis?

• A. Draft the Initial Mission Statement
• B. Assign Headquarters
• C. Identify Probable Consequences and Refine Each COA
• D. Generate Initial Options

Answer: (C)

Step 4 COA Analysis is about taking each potential course of action and examining what would likely happen if that option were pursued. It involves identifying probable consequences, assessing feasibility, suitability, and acceptability, and spotting risks or unintended effects. Importantly, it also means refining each COA to address weaknesses, incorporate safeguards, and improve how the options compare. This analysis is what turns rough ideas into workable, comparable plans.

That’s why identifying probable consequences and refining each COA is the best fit. Drafting the initial mission statement, assigning headquarters, or generating initial options occur in other parts of the planning process, not in this analytical step.