5-30 COA WG Tips

Narrator: Establish war game ground rules to structure the discussion, keep the process objective and focused, and allow enough time to complete the remaining steps of the process. Remember that the goal here is to evaluate each friendly COA, not for the red cell to win the war game. Wargaming rules might include: Use approved enemy COAs as developed by the G-2/S-2; Use civilian responses and actions as suggested by the Green Cell; Remain objective and unbiased; Continually assess if each COA is suitable, feasible, acceptable, distinguishable, and complete; Analyze each COA independently; Avoid comparing one COA to another; Record advantages and disadvantages of each COA; Record issues and mitigations for risk, assumptions, and limitations; Record data based on the commander’s evaluation criteria for each COA; Adhere to the established timeline; Avoid premature conclusions; Record counteractions in detail; Use COA war game worksheets; and Identify possible branches and sequels for further planning. Be sure to keep accurate records to facilitate the COA selection process and appoint a facilitator to enforce the wargaming effort, timeline, and ground rules so you don’t get bogged down or sidetracked.