DECISION BRIEFING

The purpose of the decision briefing is to obtain an answer or a decision. Personnel in higher headquarters use this briefing for most tactical matters requiring command decisions. In division headquarters and below, personnel often use a more informal modified decision briefing. The decision briefing compares to an oral staff study and generally follows the same format.

1. INTRODUCTION
   1. Greeting. Use military courtesy, address the person(s) receiving the briefing, and identify yourself.
   2. Purpose. State that the purpose of the briefing is to obtain a decision and announce the problem statement.
   3. Procedure. Explain any special procedures such as a trip to outlying facilities or introduction of an additional briefer.
   4. Coordination. Indicate accomplishment of any coordination.
   5. Classification. State the classification of the briefing.
2. BODY
   1. Assumptions. Must be valid, relevant, and necessary.
   2. Facts Bearing on the Problem. Must be supportable, relevant, and necessary.
   3. Discussion. Analyze courses of action. Plan for smooth transition.
   4. Conclusions. Degree of acceptance or the order of merit of each course of action.
   5. Recommendation(s). State action(s) recommended. Must be specific, not a solicitation of opinion.
3. CLOSE
   1. Ask for questions.
   2. Request a decision.
4. FOLLOW UP

Note. If the chief of staff is not present after the briefing is over, the briefer must inform the staff secretary or executive officer of the commander’s decision.