Process and Procedure

This thesis addresses the tactical decision-making process to determine if decision point tactics is a function within the procedure of tactical decision making, which satisfies the tactical decision-making process by providing a suboptimized plan. The suboptimized plan enables the commander to enhance execution of a tactical mission. The thesis discusses the relationship of decision aids (decision points, the decision support template, and the decision support matrix) and the tactical decision-making process. The function these decision aids provide to the tactical decision-making process equates to decision point tactics and are analyzed to determine their doctrinal basis. The function of decision point tactics within the tactical decision-making process is analyzed to determine whether it provides an enhancement to tactical decision making. The thesis determines whether decision aids are adequately addressed in US Army doctrine and integrated in the current execution of the tactical decision-making process. This is important for tactical decision making because leaders must understand that the issues associated with tactical decision making cannot be solved with shortcuts, checklist, or abbreviated decision-making processes, but through understanding the intent of the tactical decision making process and impact of decision aids on mission execution.