Which term refers to expanding the approved COA into a detailed plan or OPORD by refining the initial CONOPS?

• A. COA Development
• B. Mission Analysis
• C. Plan or Order Development
• D. COA Approval

Answer: (C)

Starting with a concept of operations and turning it into a practical, executable plan is the process of Plan or Order Development. After an approved COA is chosen, planners flesh out the idea by detailing who does what, when they do it, and with which resources. This includes specifying tasks for units, sequencing of actions, coordinating instructions, required support, and risk controls, so the concept becomes an actionable plan or operation order (OPORD) that can be issued to units.

Understanding the other terms helps see why this is the step that fits. COA Development is about generating and refining multiple possible COAs before a decision is made. Mission Analysis is the initial examination of the situation, objectives, constraints, and the problem to solve. COA Approval is the authorization to proceed with a chosen COA. But the actual translation of that chosen COA into a detailed, actionable plan or order is Plan or Order Development.