What does COA stand for in tactical operations?

In the context of tactical operations, COA stands for Course of Action. This term is essential in military planning and operations, as it refers to the specific strategy or approach developed to achieve desired objectives during a mission. The selection of a Course of Action involves analyzing various factors, including the mission's goals, available resources, potential risks, and the operational environment.

Understanding and clearly defining the Course of Action is crucial for effective decision-making, as it allows commanders to communicate their plan to subordinates and sets the framework for execution and assessment. This term is widely used in both training scenarios and real-world operations, making it fundamental knowledge for anyone involved in tactical planning and execution.