Requirement for an abbreviated military decision-making process in doctrine.

This study investigates the necessity of an abbreviated military decision-making process for battalion and brigade commanders and their staffs. It examines the problem that during time critical situations commanders and staffs abbreviate the decision-making process and frequently deviate from the doctrinal method. The result is often incomplete and ineffective plans that do not accomplish the mission. The study researches doctrinal and nondoctrinal publications to determine if an abbreviated process exists and compares the doctrinal process to unit performance at the National Training Center. It identifies that doctrine for decision-making is not standardized, with different methods described depending on the field manual. However, even with different methods, some portions of the decision making process are not addressed in sufficient detail to enable commanders and staffs to make rapid decisions. The study identifies the steps of the military decision-making process that are omitted or poorly conducted and provides techniques to solve the problem. It then promotes the use of the military decision-making process, even during time critical situation by abbreviating the process with techniques to speed the process.