Military Decision-Making Process and Special Forces Mission Planning: 'A Square Peg for a Round Hole'

摘要

This study examines the adequacy of the Military Decision-Making Press (MDMP) for use by Special Forces (SF) staffs at the battalion/group level while planning multiple and simultaneous operations. The research is prefaced by stating the MDMP, in its current form, provides an excellent decision-making tool for the Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha (SFOD-A). The author identifies current trends and potential hypothesis on why conventional and SF field grade commissioned officers are failing to appropriately apply doctrinal mandates of the MDMP. The research concludes the MDMP is adequate for SF staffs at the battalion/group level when SFOD-As are mutually supporting or interdependent. When SFOD-As are interdependent, they require synchronization and therefore require SF battalion/group staffs to execute all steps within the MDMP. Ironically, SFOD-As are normally not interdependent and more accurately characterized as mutually exclusive of each other when employed by SF battalions/groups. The author contends the inappropriate application of the MDMP by SF staffs may negatively impact on subordinate SFOD-As. Research on the use of the MDMP enables SF staffs at battalion/group level while planning multiple and simultaneous operations to perform their organizational functions in a more efficient and timely manner.