Do we wait too long to teach MDMP to officers?

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:36:22 -0400

Troop leading procedures are taught to junior officers as part of their preconmissioning education and basic course. MDMP is not traditionally taught until the career course. Why is this, and should we change this approach?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 3:10 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 03:10:24 -0400

In my experience working in a Brigade HQ, junior officers are mostly involve in TLP and still learning that skill. The mid-career /mid-grade officers are involved in the planning. I think it's appropriate to really dive into MDMP at career courses. I have not read the article, but I don't see an issue with the current system

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2018 9:15 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 09:15:25 -0400

I don't think so. Young officers are learning so much, so fast that MDMP would be white noise. Plus, MDMP is full-time planning. Doing that while being a PL would be extremely difficult if not impossible.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Aug 13 at 2018 11:47 AM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 11:47:47 -0400

I think we need to start teaching it as early as we can. I'm currently at a Division G-2 and the entire staff uses it all the time. I conduct hip pocket MDMP training with the Soldiers in my section all the time because I want it in the back of their minds when it comes time to pull the trigger on getting the process started. In addition to teaching the steps, I think we do a terrible job of showing what right looks like and we fully expect our Soldiers to understand and apply it as soon as they are trained. Not only should we be training junior officers but we NEED and SHOULD be teaching this same things to junior to mid-career NCO's as they progress through the ranks.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Aug 14 at 2018 8:55 AM

LTC John Wilson — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 08:55:41 -0400

We shouldn't teach the MDMP at all. I have dealt with the MDMP since it was called the DDMP in the early 1990s. It is -- at its core -- a Rational Choice Model incongruent with the dynamics of combat.

The MDMP consists of three foundational flaws: it is ill-suited to interactive complexity of the operational environment; it wastes time; and it violates well-established Army Training principles.

Each of these flaws alone is fatal when MDMP is faithfully applied, bit taken together each flaw exacerbates the others.

It is past time to renovate this legacy doctrine. There are other ways to train commanders and staff officers to solve problems as an integrated planning team.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2018 5:56 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 17:56:53 -0400

I think the MDMP process is best suited for career courses. Junior officers are already overwhelmed by trying to learn the Army and how it all works. Much like what was already stated MDMP would become back ground noise for these junior officers. To turn the conversation in a different direction I think we need to focus on "who" should learn MDMP. Some officers and enlisted members aren't suited for leadership roles and should be progressed as "Staff" officers or NCOs. While not nearly as glamorous as command certain individuals will never be good commanders but may be exceptional facilitators. The Army needs to stop with the idea that everyone should take a command path and develop those who are not suited for it to be supporting players within the Staff. We place so much emphasis on command that we may not be utilizing certain people in a role they are much better suited for. I worked with a Major who said his dream job would be in the basement of the Pentagon just doing planning. Why not allow officers and NCOs who think like that and make them true planners, allowing them to progress without command billets and utilize their full talent for the betterment of the Army? Just a thought.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2018 7:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 07:48:29 -0400

NCO’s as well. And when we do get it, it’s a quick week in courses such as battle staff or SPO II, which was great but it would’ve be nicer if I was exposed to it before those courses. I wholeheartedly believe that it should be incorporated in NCOES. Much needed for when we begin to assume staff positions or just to become overall well rounded NCO’s and assets to our Officer counterparts.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2018 3:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 15:18:48 -0400

I am a current MP CCC student and we are just about to start learning about the MDMP process. Although I question how useful the MDMP process would be to a LT, I would definitely have liked to have seen it prior to coming to CCC. Conducting LPDs at the BN level seems like a easy way to introduce the concept, without overwhelming personnel with information.