text: Chapter 5
  Table 5-4. Course of action analysis
  Processes and Outputs Space Considerations and Inputs
  1.Assist the staff to gather tools. Gather the tools, materials, and data for the wargame. Assist the
  staff with maps, computer simulations, and other tools that
  accurately reflect the space operations environment. These
  materials may include:
  • Space running estimate.
  • Space operations event templates.
  • Completed space operations courses of action, including
  graphics.
  2.List all friendly space forces. Consider all space elements which may be committed to the
  operation, paying special attention to support relationships and
  constraints. This list remains constant for all courses of action.
  3.List assumptions concerning Review previous space operations assumptions for continued
  space operations. validity and necessity. During the course of mission analysis and
  course of action development, space planners may have obtained
  updated or additional information that confirms or denies initial
  assumptions.
  4.List known space operations List points when the commander or staff anticipates making key
  critical events and decision points. decisions concerning a specific space operations course of action.
  5.Assist the staff in conducting the Assess the results of the war game in terms of space operations.
  wargame. Assist the staff in foreseeing actions, reactions, and counteractions
  of all participants operating in the space domain.
  Course of Action Comparison
  5-25. COA comparison is an objective process to evaluate each COA independently and against set
  evaluation criteria approved by the commander and staff. Space planners and staff members responsible for
  space operations may not have direct involvement in this process, but will provide recommendations for
  consideration. Upon completion of the COA comparison, output products, and the base OPORD, become the
  final draft.
  5-26. Space planners analyze and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each COA from the space
  operations perspective, considering all space capabilities. Depending on the degree of space capabilities
  affecting the mission, space planners may use their own matrix to compare COAs, or may integrate space
  operations input along the elements of combat power or other decision matrix system the staff uses. Space
  specific COA comparison considerations are in table 5-5.
  Table 5-5. Course of action comparison
  Processes and Outputs Space Considerations and Inputs
  1.Conduct advantages and Analyze the courses of action and determine the advantages and
  disadvantages analysis. disadvantages to space operations in terms of:
  • Minimizing risk to the force and mission accomplishment.
  • Placing the force in the best posture for future operations.
  • Providing maximum latitude for initiative by subordinate
  space elements.
  • Providing the most flexibility to meet unexpected threats and
  opportunities.
  2.Compare course of action. Analyze and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each
  course of action from a space operations perspective. Present
  findings for consideration by the other staff members.
  Course of Action Approval
  5-27. During COA approval the commander selects the COA that best accomplishes the mission legally,
  ethically, effectively, efficiently, and in the right way. Considerations of proportionality, military necessity,