What is the role of the staff during the mission analysis step?

During the mission analysis step, the staff is primarily focused on evaluating and assessing the various courses of action (COAs) that have been developed. This involves measuring their relative effectiveness to determine which COA will best accomplish the mission objectives given the specific circumstances and constraints. The analysis takes into account factors such as the strengths and weaknesses of each COA, potential risks, and resource requirements. By systematically breaking down and comparing the COAs, the staff provides critical insight that aids commanders in making informed decisions about how to proceed with the mission.

In contrast, developing logistical plans, training junior officers, or reporting to the commanding general are important aspects of military operations but are not the core focus during the mission analysis step. Logistical planning typically occurs after COAs have been evaluated and selected, while training and communication with leadership happen in different contexts and do not specifically pertain to the analytical assessment of potential mission strategies.