Figure 4-1. Steps in the MDMP
a. The staff prepares for the mission analysis immediately upon receipt of a warning order by
gathering the tools needed to perform a mission analysis. These tools include the following:
Higher HQ order or plan.
Maps of the area to help the commander assess likely areas for significant environmental
considerations.
The commander's or higher HQ SOPs.
Appropriate documents and references, applicable HN agreements, Department of Defense
(DOD) overseas environmental baseline guidance document (OEBGD) or similar
instructions or guidance.
Any existing staff estimates as well as applicable lessons learned or AAR materials.
b. Staff officers should develop a generic list of environmental considerations and associated
requirements in their respective areas to add to the general guidelines given in FM 5-0 (101-5), Appendix
A.
(1) Mission Analysis. Mission analysis has seventeen subordinate steps. While this process
results in the staff formally briefing the commander, there may be items of such importance to the
commander and the formulation of his commander's guidance that they need to be brought to his attention
immediately rather than withheld until the formal briefing. Anticipation, prior preparation, and a trained
staff are the keys to a timely mission analysis.
Step 1. Analyze the higher HQ order. The commander and his staff thoroughly analyze the
higher HQ order and identify guidance on environmental considerations. If confused by the higher HQ
order or guidance, the staff must seek clarification immediately. While there is generally a specific annex
or appendix on environmental considerations in the higher HQ order, it is not the only source of guidance.
Coordinating instructions or guidance from others may also contain information critical to environmental
considerations.
Step 2. Conduct initial intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB). The IPB is a systematic,
continuous process of analyzing the threat and the effects of the environment on the unit. It identifies
facts and assumptions that determine a likely threat COA. The IPB supports the commander and his staff
and is essential to developing estimates and performing decision making. Environmental considerations
may make it prudent to focus some of the IPB support to assist in site selection for units moving into an
EN 5702
4-2
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