text: Army Methodologies Used for Planning Activities
  STEP 3: COURSE OF ACTION DEVELOPMENT
  A-25. COA development generates options for subsequent analysis and comparison that satisfy the
  commander’s intent and planning guidance. A COA is a broad potential solution to an identified problem.
  During COA development, the CEMA working group uses the tools received and analyzed from higher
  headquarters, adjacent and joint units, and unified action partners in conjunction with the commander’s intent,
  planning guidance gathered. The CEMA section contributes to COA development by integrating and
  synchronizing cyberspace operations and EW into COAs using operational and tactical art. During the
  development of different COAs, the CEMA working group develops varying methods to integrate,
  synchronize, and conduct cyberspace operations and EW that is within the commander’s intent and planning
  guidance.
  A-26. The CEMA section assists the other staff with examining each prospective COA for validity using the
  evaluation criteria established during Step 2: Mission Analysis. When considering the validity of each
  prospective COA, screening criteria should include—
  * Feasibility. Integrated and synchronized cyberspace operations and EW in the COA that
  accomplish the mission within the established time, space, and cyberspace and EW resource
  limitations.
  * Acceptability. Cyberspace operations and EW integrated and synchronized in the COA balance
  cost and risk with the advantage gained.
  * Suitability. Cyberspace operations and EW supports the COA that accomplishes the mission
  within the commander’s intent and planning guidance.
  * Distinguishability. Cyberspace operations and EW integration, synchronization, and conduct of
  operation should be different for each COA developed. Differences should include task
  organizations, cyberspace and EW capabilities, and the use of cyberspace and EW resources from
  supporting adjacent and joint organizations and unified action partners.
  * Completeness. Cyberspace operations and EW integrated and synchronized in the COA should
  incorporate—
   How cyberspace operations and EW will support the operations process.
   How cyberspace operations and EW support shaping operations, creating and preserving
  conditions for success during decisive operations or efforts.
   How cyberspace operations and EW support sustaining operations, enabling shaping and
  decisive operations or efforts.
   How cyberspace operations and EW support the COA, accounting for offensive, defensive,
  and stability or defense support of civil authorities’ tasks.
   How to perform cyberspace operations and EW specified, implied, and essential tasks to
  achieve desired conditions in cyberspace and the EMS.
   How to use cyberspace and EW capabilities to mitigate obstacles, attain access to various
  avenues of approach (including observation and fields of fire), and protect key terrain in
  cyberspace and the EMS.
  A-27. During COA development, commanders and staff need to understand and appreciate the unpredictable
  and uncertain nature of the OE. The CEMA section should show this same understanding and appreciation
  for the unpredictability and uncertainty when supporting the development schemes of cyberspace operations
  and EW for each COA.
  A-28. The CEMA working group assesses cyberspace operations and EW as enablers for combat power
  (assess relative combat power). Combat power is the total means of destructive, constructive, and information
  capabilities that a military unit or formation can apply at a given time (ADP 3-0). Combat power includes
  the warfighting functions plus leadership and information.
  A-29. The CEMA working group assesses organic and non-organic cyberspace and EW capabilities available
  for the operation. This assessment assists the CEMA section in making a rough estimate of the ratio of
  friendly cyberspace and EW capabilities to known enemy cyberspace and EW capabilities.