text: Fire Support and the Operations Process
  Table 3-9. Analysis of course of action (wargame)
  MDMP STEP 4: COURSE OF ACTION ANALYSIS AND WARGAMING
  Staff Actions Key FSE Actions FSE Output
  • Gather the tools. • Gather FS running estimate, FS • Refined scheme of fires.
  • List all friendly forces. portions of event templates, • Refined draft Annex D (FIRES)
  target value analysis results. See
  • List assumptions. FM 3-60. and appendices.
  • List known critical events and • Confirm fire support assets for all • Refined draft fire support
  execution matrix.
  decision points. courses of action.
  • Select the wargaming method. • Validate FS relevant facts and • Refined draft target list
  worksheet (automated or
  • Select a technique to record and assumptions. manual) and target overlay.
  display results. • Validate/refine EFSTs and the • Refined draft targeting
  • Wargame the operation and FA contribution to EFSTs. synchronization matrix or
  assess the results. • Validate/refine evaluation criteria modified targeting
  • Conduct a war-game briefing to measure the effectiveness of synchronization matrix (high-
  (optional). the FS contributions for each payoff target list, target selection
  COA. standards, attack guidance
  • Validate/refine fire support matrix).
  execution matrix for each COA. • Refined draft FSCMs.
  • Provide likely adversary FS • Refined draft NAI and TAIs.
  actions to the G-2; determine
  where to find and attack enemy
  fire support capabilities.
  • Ensure FS is integrated into the
  commander’s emerging concept
  of operations throughout the war
  game.
  • Formulate a list of advantages
  and disadvantages of each COA
  from fire support perspective.
  • Identify synchronization
  requirements including
  modifications to FS coordination
  and airspace coordinating
  measures.
  • Identify decision points, named
  areas of interest, decisive terrain
  and additional critical events and
  how these may influence
  positioning or posturing of FS
  assets.
  • Refine high-value targets, high-
  payoff targets, the FS portion of
  event templates, and develop a
  draft high-payoff target list, target
  selection standards and attack
  guidance matrix.
  • Integrate nonlethal effects to
  include CEMA into these
  targeting products.
  • Provide recommendations for
  the commander’s attack
  guidance.
  • Actively participate in all phases
  of wargaming.
  CEMA – cyberspace electromagnetic activities, COA – course of action, EFST – essential fire support task,
  FA – field artillery, FS – fire support, FSCM – fire support coordination measure, FSE – fire support element,
  G-2 – assistant chief of staff, intelligence, MDMP – military decision-making process, NAI – named area of interest,
  TAI – target area of interest