Which item is a key input for Step 5 COA Comparison?

• A. War-game results
• B. Evaluation Criteria
• C. Updated running estimates
• D. Updated assumptions

Answer: (B)

In the COA Comparison step, the key input guiding how you judge each option is the set of evaluation criteria. These criteria provide the framework for objectively measuring how well each COA achieves the mission goals and aligns with constraints. They establish what success looks like and offer a consistent basis to compare trade-offs like feasibility, risks, timing, and cost. With clear criteria, you can rank COAs and identify which one best meets the objectives under realistic conditions.

War-game results can inform the analysis by showing how a COA might play out, but they’re typically used to validate or refine assessments rather than serve as the primary basis for the initial comparison. Updated running estimates and updated assumptions reflect current knowledge and changes to the planning context; they influence the scoring and interpretation of the criteria, but they aren’t the principal tool used to compare COAs themselves.