In military planning, what does "COA" stand for?

In military planning, "COA" stands for "Course of Action." This term is crucial in the military decision-making process, as it refers to a specific strategy or method proposed to achieve desired objectives or to respond to a particular situation or mission. The development of various courses of action allows military planners to evaluate and analyze different avenues to ultimately select the most effective approach to achieve success in operations.

The process involves assessing each COA in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and suitability against the established objectives, ensuring that the selected plan aligns with available resources and strategic goals. By focusing on courses of action, military leaders can make informed decisions that enhance operational effectiveness.