which army problem solving process step includes developing benchmarks

Thesoldiersproject is supported by its audience. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

All About the 7-Step Military Problem Solving Process

Written by Everett Bledsoe / Fact checked by Brain Bartell

In addition to power and strength, the military relies on quick and decisive thinking. Members in service must be able to think on their feet and craft solutions in the blink of an eye. Obviously, this is not easy to do. But it is not too far-fetched when you realize that countless lives depend on a single personnel’s decision and course of action.

As such, every recruit coming into the military is taught and trained about the 7-step military problem solving process. This systematic approach is believed to be the best way for military members to address any problems that they encounter.

In short, the 7 steps to solve problems are:

• Pinpoint the Problem
• Identify the Facts and Assumptions
• Craft Alternatives
• Analyze the Generated Alternatives
• Weigh Between the Generated Alternatives
• Make and Carry Out Your Final Decision
• Evaluate the Results From Your Decision

To make it easier for you to comprehend and follow along, we have elaborated on each of the above steps in this article. So, continue reading by scrolling down!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Pinpoint the Problem

Step 2: identify the facts and assumptions, step 3: craft alternatives, step 4: analyze the generated alternatives, step 5: weigh between the generated alternatives, step 6: make and carry out your final decision, step 7: evaluate the results from your decision, army problem solving & decision making process, seven step military problem solving process.

The first step is to ID the problem, which means recognizing and identifying what needs fixing. Needless to say, you cannot attempt to seek a solution without first knowing what has to be addressed. By pinpointing your problem, you will have a clear goal or end destination in mind. Only then can you come up with the right steps to take.

To effectively define the problem, ask yourself the 5Ws—who, what, where, and when. In detail:

• Who is affected? Who is involved?
• What is affected? What is in the overall picture?
• When is/did this happen?
• Where is/did this happen?

Always be crystal clear about the problem and try to view it in the most objective way as much as possible. Imagine you are the third person looking at It rather than from it. It also helps to organize your answers into a coherent and concise problem statement.

The next step is to ID the facts and assumptions. This entails that you get whatever additional information you can in the time that you have. Try to garner more facts than assumptions by reviewing all the possible factors, internal and external, and use them together with what you have thought out in the step above to determine the cause of the problem. You should also be aware of the nature and scope of the problem from this step.

From here, you take a sub-step: think about what you want the final result to be. This does not have to be complicated but it has to be very clear. For instance, one of your troop members may be lost and uncontactable. Your ultimate goal is to find him/her and return to your base together. Remember, having a wishy-washy end state will only make your problem solving process more difficult.

These first two steps constitute situation assessment, which serves as the basis for you to work towards the remaining steps of the military problem solving process.

Onto the third step, strive to develop as many potential solutions as possible. Here, you will have to exercise your imagining and visualizing skills. Brainstorm and refine any ideas simultaneously. Engage both critical and critical thinking in this step. If possible, take note of what you have come up with. Do not be hesitant and brush off any ideas.

Then, analyze your options. Consider all of your possible courses of action with all the available information that you have compiled in the previous steps. Take into account your experiences, intuitions, and emotions. This does not have to be a purely rational or mathematical procedure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that you are 100% guided by your instincts and emotions. You must have a good balance between the two.

This step naturally lends itself to the next: compare between your generated alternatives. Weigh between their respective pros and cons. In particular, look at their cost and benefit of success. Are there any limiting factors or potential for unintended consequences? Evaluate carefully and ask yourself a lot of questions. You can also consider using a table, T-chart, or matrix to compare visually.

Try to settle for the “best” solution or course of action that is both logical and feels “right”. Apart from picking the best, select two or three more workable solutions as backups. Keep them handy in case you need to refer back to them. During this process, you may merge ideas and mix-match bits and pieces—that’s perfectly fine!

Once you have made your decision, craft your action plans. Know the details—what exactly do you have to do to solve the problem? If it is a long-term problem that you have to address, set milestones and timelines with clear methods of measuring progress and success. On the other hand, if it is a short, instantaneous problem, communicate your plans clearly to anyone else involved. Be aware of the specifics and be brutally honest. Execute your course of action with care. But do not be rigid. If something happens out of the plan, be willing to adjust and adapt.

After your solution implementation, wrap up by assessing the results. Was it what you envisioned? Were there deviations? What did you take away? Answer all of the questions so you can be even more equipped for future endeavors. Think of it as a reflection stage. The 7 steps to problem solving in the military are a continuous process—you will be confronted with challenges over and over, so do not skip this strengthening step. It will further your skills and expertise to handle problems going forward.

Another set of seven steps that you may come across during your service is the army problem solving steps. Needless to say, this is applied to the army problem solving process.

• Receiving the Mission
• Analyzing the Mission
• Developing the Course of Action
• Analyzing the Course of Action
• Comparing the Course of Action
• Getting Approval for the Course of Action
• Producing, Disseminating, and Transitioning Orders

This is a part of the MDMP, short for the military decision making process. In each step, there are inputs and outputs. In general, it is more specific than the above set of steps.

These seven steps focus on collaborative planning and performance. Plus, set the stage for interactions between different military agents, including commanders, staff, headquarters, etc.

COA is an abbreviation for a course of action. Thus, these steps are relatively similar to the steps that we have gone through earlier; specifically steps two: mission analysis, three: COA development, four: COA analysis, and five: COA comparison. Like the previous seven steps, these are carried out sequentially but can be revisited when needed.

The main difference is that these 7 steps to problem solving in the army are more explicitly directed to junior personnel. Hence, the mentioning of orders from higher-ranks, the significant role of commanders, and the need to earn approval before execution.

A mnemonic that service members use to remember this process is M.A.D.A.C.A.P. for:

• A: Analysis

You might want to remember this for an exam at military school, at NCO, or soldier of the month board.

You can learn more about the MDMP here:

So, there you have it—the 7-step military problem solving process. You should now be aware of two different but equally important sets of steps to problem solving and decision making. If you have any follow-up questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

I am Everett Bledsoe, taking on the responsibility of content producer for The Soldiers Project. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Of course, you cannot go wrong when checking out our package of information and guide, too, as they come from reliable sources and years of experience.

career support

support to get a great job

• Career Development

Navigating Complexity: A Guide to the Seven Step Military Problem Solving Process

In addition to power and strength, the military relies on quick and decisive thinking. Members in service must be able to think on their feet and craft solutions in the blink of an eye. Obviously, this is not easy to do. But it is not too far-fetched when you realize that countless lives depend on a single personnel’s decision and course of action.

As such, every recruit coming into the military is taught and trained about the 7-step military problem solving process. This systematic approach is believed to be the best way for military members to address any problems that they encounter.

To make it easier for you to comprehend and follow along, we have elaborated on each of the above steps in this article. So, continue reading by scrolling down!

As both a veteran and a business leader, I’ve come to appreciate the robust analytical frameworks the military employs to tackle complex problems The seven step military problem solving process is one such structured methodology used extensively within the armed forces In this post, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of this sequential technique and demonstrate how it can be applied in civilian contexts as well.

Developed to enable military units to dissect multifaceted missions, this seven step protocol serves as a decision making algorithm. By breaking down problems into smaller logical sub-steps, this process aims to methodically arrive at optimal solutions. It equips teams to thoroughly assess situations, weigh alternatives and devise high probability of success courses of action.

While initially created for combat operations, the military problem solving process has much broader applicability. In fact, it aligns well with common project management approaches used in the corporate sphere. As such, this standardized method can benefit businesses seeking to streamline their decision making.

Let’s now dive into the seven steps that comprise this structured analytical approach

Step 1 – Receiving the Mission

This phase focuses on clearly defining the problem at hand and understanding associated constraints. Key activities include:

• Gathering all relevant details about the issue from stakeholders
• Determining known facts as well as uncertainties
• Identifying constraints like deadlines, budgets and resources
• Specifying any limiting parameters that bound the solution space

A concise one sentence mission statement is formulated encapsulating the problem This mission statement becomes the north star guiding subsequent analysis

Step 2 – Analyzing the Mission

Here the objective is to thoroughly decompose the mission to reveal its constituent components. This involves:

• Breaking down the mission into key constituent tasks
• Determining mission requirements and critical vulnerabilities
• Identifying assets and capabilities available
• Uncovering obstacles that may hinder mission success
• Assessing operational risks across areas like logistics and communications

A comprehensive understanding of all elements, relationships and uncertainties is developed.

Step 3 – Developing a Course of Action

This step focuses on identifying possible ways to accomplish the mission based on the analysis. Activities include:

• Brainstorming creative alternatives to achieve mission goals
• Ensuring compliance with parameters and constraints
• Developing a scheme of maneuver that maps how the mission will unfold over space and time
• Describing necessary actions involved in executing the course of action
• Considering contingency plans and backups in case things go awry

At least two distinct courses of action are outlined to provide options to choose from subsequently.

Step 4 – Analyzing the Course of Action

Here the aim is to rigorously evaluate the merits and demerits of each proposed course of action. Key tasks involve:

• Using tactical decision games to simulate how each course may play out
• Determining additional resources required for successful implementation
• Revealing risks and weak points within each plan through war-gaming
• Assessing the logistical feasibility of execution
• Identifying contingency measures to address anticipated friction

This analysis shapes a clearer picture of the viability of the various courses of action.

Step 5 – Comparing Different Courses of Action

The goal of this step is to directly compare alternative courses of action against each other using the analysis conducted. This includes:

• Developing criteria to judge the effectiveness of each course of action
• Using a decision matrix to systematically assess pros and cons
• Determining which course of action best accomplishes the mission
• Identifying the course of action with the highest probability of success

The optimal course of action that should be adopted going forward is identified.

Step 6 – Getting Approval for the Optimal Course of Action

Here the focus is on securing buy-in from key stakeholders on the recommended course of action. This involves:

• Briefing leadership on the merits of the selected course of action
• Explaining analysis conducted and rationale for choice
• Justifying additional resources required for successful implementation
• Incorporating leadership guidance into final plan

Formal approval of the course of action sets the stage for execution.

Step 7 – Producing and Disseminating Orders

The final step entails developing a coordinated plan to implement the approved course of action. Tasks include:

• Documenting the complete mission plan including execution timeline
• Creating information packets tailored for each subunit
• Communicating orders and intent throughout the organization
• Rehearsing the plan and troubleshooting issues
• Ensuring all players understand their individual roles

The organization is aligned to undertake the mission collaboratively.

And that wraps up the seven steps comprising the military problem solving process! Next let’s examine how this structured methodology can be applied in civilian settings.

Applying the Military Problem Solving Process in Business

While created for complex combat missions, this sequential framework is also extremely relevant for tackling business challenges. Mapping typical business activities to the seven steps illustrates the practical value of this process:

Consider the key project charter or business issue that must be addressed as the mission.

Conduct market research, data analysis, risk assessment etc. to deeply understand the issue.

Formulate alternative strategies or plans to address the business need.

Use techniques like SWOT analysis to identify strengths and weaknesses of each approach.

Evaluate feasibility and benefits of alternatives using methodology like weighted scoring model.

Pitch proposed plan to leadership and secure buy-in.

Create detailed project plan and communicate tasks across the organization.

As illustrated above, the structured military problem solving process integrates well with standard business practices. The principles and techniques it espouses can augment business decision making.

Let’s now examine some specific advantages this methodology offers:

1. Enables a Structured Analytical Approach

The step-by-step sequence imposes logical discipline to analyze complex problems systematically.

2. Facilitates Thorough Understanding

The emphasis on completely deconstructing the problem leads to insights into root causes.

3. Stimulates Innovative Thinking

The requirement to develop diverse courses of action spurs creative solutions.

4. Reduces Biases

The data-driven comparative analysis minimizes subjective judgments and assumptions.

5. Drives Evaluation Rigor

The war gaming and decision matrix techniques ensure rigorous evaluation of alternatives.

6. Creates Detailed Implementation Plan

The process naturally produces a robust project plan for successful execution.

Above all, this methodology prevents haphazard “seat of the pants” planning by anchoring decision making in a rigorous step-by-step sequence. While initially developed for military scenarios, the core principles clearly translate to tackling business challenges.

In closing, the seven step military problem solving process is a time-tested analytical framework honed over decades in complex operational environments. Mastering this structured methodology can aid any leader or organization in thinking through critical decisions thoroughly, creatively and objectively. The visual below summarizes the process:

![7 Step Military Problem Solving Process][]

So next time you encounter a thorny mission critical challenge, consider borrowing a page from the military playbook and employ this robust step-by-step approach to arrive at the optimal solution!

Step 4: Analyze the Generated Alternatives

Then, analyze your options. Consider all of your possible courses of action with all the available information that you have compiled in the previous steps. Take into account your experiences, intuitions, and emotions. This does not have to be a purely rational or mathematical procedure. Nevertheless, this does not mean that you are 100% guided by your instincts and emotions. You must have a good balance between the two.

Step 1: Pinpoint the Problem

To effectively define the problem, ask yourself the 5Ws—who, what, where, and when. In detail:

• Who is affected? Who is involved?
• What is affected? What is in the overall picture?
• When is/did this happen?
• Where is/did this happen?

Always be crystal clear about the problem and try to view it in the most objective way as much as possible. Imagine you are the third person looking at It rather than from it. It also helps to organize your answers into a coherent and concise problem statement.

Army Problem Solving Process – MSL202 Lesson 04 – ROTC

What is the 7-step military solving process?

The seven-step military solving process is a structured method for identifying and overcoming obstacles. This approach can help military and civilian members alike quickly address problems and create effective solutions. Using this method can also help team members develop their collaboration, communication and critical-thinking abilities.

What are the 7 steps of the military problem solving process?

To define the 7 steps of the Military Problem Solving Process. To describe some of the Road Blocks to problem solving Click here to download the presentation. 1. Recognize And Define The Problem 2. Gather Facts And Make Assumptions 3. Define End States And Establish Criteria 4. Develop Possible Solutions 5. Analyze And Compare Possible Solutions 6.

What is the Army problem solving process?

Needless to say, this is applied to the army problem solving process. This is a part of the MDMP, short for the military decision making process. In each step, there are inputs and outputs. In general, it is more specific than the above set of steps. These seven steps focus on collaborative planning and performance.

What is the 7 step method of systems planning?

The one approach that is especially effective has been called the Seven Step Method of Systems Planning. It is rooted in previous Army doctrine and provides an intellectual vehicle to assist organizational leaders in solving command problems related to command climate, establishing a command vision leading to mission accomplishment.

Related posts:

• What Is Treasury Management? (With Definition and Benefits)
• RASCI: What It Is and How To Use It for Project Management
• Interview Question: “What’s the Most Difficult Decision You’ve Had to Make?”
• Blog : Is there a dress code for the modern paralegal?

Related Posts

How to calculate percentile rank step-by-step, i want to be a lawyer: a step-by-step guide to becoming an attorney, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.