CAPTAINS CAREER COURSE – COMMON
CORE FINAL EXAM | 2026/2027 Update |
Complete Solutions | Doctrine-Based .
Attention Captains. You are preparing to assume key developmental positions where your
decisions directly impact mission success and soldier lives. This guide is not merely a study
aid; it is a distillation of the doctrine you must master to lead effectively. The Common Core
exam tests your ability to apply ADP 3-0, ADP 5-0, ADP 6-0, and FM 7-0 in complex
operational environments. Read carefully, understand the "why" behind every answer, and
internalize these principles. Dismissed.
PART A: MDMP & ORDERS PRODUCTION DRILL (Questions 1–10)
1. Which step of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is considered the most critical,
as failure here results in planning for the wrong tactical problem?
A) Course of Action Development
B) Mission Analysis
C) Course of Action Approval
D) Orders Production
Answer: B
Rationale: Per ADP 5-0, Mission Analysis is the foundation of the MDMP. It defines the tactical
problem by analyzing the higher headquarters' order, identifying specified and implied tasks,
and determining constraints. If this step is flawed, all subsequent planning efforts will be
misdirected.
High-Yield Pearl: Mission Analysis produces the Restated Mission and Initial Commander’s
Intent. Get this right, or the plan fails.
2. During which steps of the MDMP are Warning Orders (WARNOs) typically issued?
A) Steps 1, 3, and 5
B) Steps 1, 2, and 6
C) Steps 2, 4, and 7
D) Steps 3, 5, and 7
,Answer: B
Rationale: WARNOs are issued to provide subordinates with maximum preparation time. They
are released after Step 1 (Receipt of Mission), Step 2 (Mission Analysis), and Step 6 (COA
Approval).
High-Yield Pearl: Never wait for the final OPORD to inform subordinates. Issue WARNOs early
and often.
3. What are the two essential components of a valid Mission Statement?
A) Who and Where
B) Task and Purpose
C) When and How
D) Enemy and Terrain
Answer: B
Rationale: ADP 5-0 states that a mission statement clearly indicates the action (Task) to be
taken and the reason for taking that action (Purpose). It answers "Who, what, when, where,
and why," but Task and Purpose are the core doctrinal elements.
High-Yield Pearl: No Task + No Purpose = No Mission.
4. Which of the following best describes the Commander’s Intent?
A) A detailed list of tasks for each subordinate unit
B) A succinct expression of the purpose of the operation, key tasks, and the desired end state
C) The specific timeline for phase lines and checkpoints
D) The logistical requirements for sustainment
Answer: B
Rationale: The Commander’s Intent (ADP 6-0) provides a clear focus for subordinate leaders
to exercise disciplined initiative when the plan no longer applies or when unexpected
opportunities arise. It consists of Purpose, Key Tasks, and End State.
High-Yield Pearl: The Intent bridges the gap between the Mission and the Concept of
Operations.
5. In the METT-TC framework, which variable includes "Observation and fields of fire, Cover
and concealment, Obstacles, Key terrain, and Avenues of approach"?
,A) Enemy
B) Terrain and Weather
C) Troops Available
D) Civil Considerations
Answer: B
Rationale: These five factors constitute the military aspect of terrain analysis, often
remembered by the acronym OCOKA. This falls under the "Terrain and Weather" variable of
METT-TC.
High-Yield Pearl: OCOKA is the lens through which you analyze Terrain in METT-TC.
6. What is the primary output of Step 3 (COA Development) in the MDMP?
A) The final Operation Order
B) War-gaming results
C) COA sketches and narratives
D) The approved COA
Answer: C
Rationale: During COA Development, the staff creates multiple viable courses of action. Each
COA must include a sketch (graphic) and a narrative (text) describing how the unit will
accomplish the mission.
High-Yield Pearl: COAs must be distinct, feasible, acceptable, suitable, complete, and
compliant with the commander's intent.
7. Wargaming occurs during which step of the MDMP?
A) Step 3: COA Development
B) Step 4: COA Analysis
C) Step 5: COA Comparison
D) Step 6: COA Approval
Answer: B
, Rationale: Step 4 is COA Analysis, commonly referred to as wargaming. The staff mentally
simulates the battle to identify strengths, weaknesses, decision points, and resource
requirements for each COA.
High-Yield Pearl: Wargaming validates the COA against enemy capabilities and identifies
potential friction points.
8. Which document formally captures the commander’s decision and provides the basis for
the final order?
A) The Initial WARNO
B) The Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR)
C) The Approved COA
D) The Running Estimate
Answer: C
Rationale: In Step 6 (COA Approval), the commander selects a COA. This approval provides
the specific guidance necessary for the staff to proceed to Step 7 (Orders Production).
High-Yield Pearl: Without an approved COA, the staff cannot write the final OPORD.
9. What is the primary purpose of Step 5 (COA Comparison)?
A) To develop new COAs based on wargaming results
B) To evaluate COAs against established criteria to recommend the best one to the
commander
C) To issue a WARNO to subordinate units
D) To finalize the graphics for the operation
Answer: B
Rationale: In Step 5, the staff uses a comparison matrix to evaluate each COA against criteria
(such as suitability, feasibility, and acceptability) to determine which COA best accomplishes
the mission.
High-Yield Pearl: The staff recommends a COA; the commander approves it.
10. Which of the following is NOT a component of the Mission Variables (METT-TC)?
A) Time Available
CORE FINAL EXAM | 2026/2027 Update |
Complete Solutions | Doctrine-Based .
Attention Captains. You are preparing to assume key developmental positions where your
decisions directly impact mission success and soldier lives. This guide is not merely a study
aid; it is a distillation of the doctrine you must master to lead effectively. The Common Core
exam tests your ability to apply ADP 3-0, ADP 5-0, ADP 6-0, and FM 7-0 in complex
operational environments. Read carefully, understand the "why" behind every answer, and
internalize these principles. Dismissed.
PART A: MDMP & ORDERS PRODUCTION DRILL (Questions 1–10)
1. Which step of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is considered the most critical,
as failure here results in planning for the wrong tactical problem?
A) Course of Action Development
B) Mission Analysis
C) Course of Action Approval
D) Orders Production
Answer: B
Rationale: Per ADP 5-0, Mission Analysis is the foundation of the MDMP. It defines the tactical
problem by analyzing the higher headquarters' order, identifying specified and implied tasks,
and determining constraints. If this step is flawed, all subsequent planning efforts will be
misdirected.
High-Yield Pearl: Mission Analysis produces the Restated Mission and Initial Commander’s
Intent. Get this right, or the plan fails.
2. During which steps of the MDMP are Warning Orders (WARNOs) typically issued?
A) Steps 1, 3, and 5
B) Steps 1, 2, and 6
C) Steps 2, 4, and 7
D) Steps 3, 5, and 7
,Answer: B
Rationale: WARNOs are issued to provide subordinates with maximum preparation time. They
are released after Step 1 (Receipt of Mission), Step 2 (Mission Analysis), and Step 6 (COA
Approval).
High-Yield Pearl: Never wait for the final OPORD to inform subordinates. Issue WARNOs early
and often.
3. What are the two essential components of a valid Mission Statement?
A) Who and Where
B) Task and Purpose
C) When and How
D) Enemy and Terrain
Answer: B
Rationale: ADP 5-0 states that a mission statement clearly indicates the action (Task) to be
taken and the reason for taking that action (Purpose). It answers "Who, what, when, where,
and why," but Task and Purpose are the core doctrinal elements.
High-Yield Pearl: No Task + No Purpose = No Mission.
4. Which of the following best describes the Commander’s Intent?
A) A detailed list of tasks for each subordinate unit
B) A succinct expression of the purpose of the operation, key tasks, and the desired end state
C) The specific timeline for phase lines and checkpoints
D) The logistical requirements for sustainment
Answer: B
Rationale: The Commander’s Intent (ADP 6-0) provides a clear focus for subordinate leaders
to exercise disciplined initiative when the plan no longer applies or when unexpected
opportunities arise. It consists of Purpose, Key Tasks, and End State.
High-Yield Pearl: The Intent bridges the gap between the Mission and the Concept of
Operations.
5. In the METT-TC framework, which variable includes "Observation and fields of fire, Cover
and concealment, Obstacles, Key terrain, and Avenues of approach"?
,A) Enemy
B) Terrain and Weather
C) Troops Available
D) Civil Considerations
Answer: B
Rationale: These five factors constitute the military aspect of terrain analysis, often
remembered by the acronym OCOKA. This falls under the "Terrain and Weather" variable of
METT-TC.
High-Yield Pearl: OCOKA is the lens through which you analyze Terrain in METT-TC.
6. What is the primary output of Step 3 (COA Development) in the MDMP?
A) The final Operation Order
B) War-gaming results
C) COA sketches and narratives
D) The approved COA
Answer: C
Rationale: During COA Development, the staff creates multiple viable courses of action. Each
COA must include a sketch (graphic) and a narrative (text) describing how the unit will
accomplish the mission.
High-Yield Pearl: COAs must be distinct, feasible, acceptable, suitable, complete, and
compliant with the commander's intent.
7. Wargaming occurs during which step of the MDMP?
A) Step 3: COA Development
B) Step 4: COA Analysis
C) Step 5: COA Comparison
D) Step 6: COA Approval
Answer: B
, Rationale: Step 4 is COA Analysis, commonly referred to as wargaming. The staff mentally
simulates the battle to identify strengths, weaknesses, decision points, and resource
requirements for each COA.
High-Yield Pearl: Wargaming validates the COA against enemy capabilities and identifies
potential friction points.
8. Which document formally captures the commander’s decision and provides the basis for
the final order?
A) The Initial WARNO
B) The Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR)
C) The Approved COA
D) The Running Estimate
Answer: C
Rationale: In Step 6 (COA Approval), the commander selects a COA. This approval provides
the specific guidance necessary for the staff to proceed to Step 7 (Orders Production).
High-Yield Pearl: Without an approved COA, the staff cannot write the final OPORD.
9. What is the primary purpose of Step 5 (COA Comparison)?
A) To develop new COAs based on wargaming results
B) To evaluate COAs against established criteria to recommend the best one to the
commander
C) To issue a WARNO to subordinate units
D) To finalize the graphics for the operation
Answer: B
Rationale: In Step 5, the staff uses a comparison matrix to evaluate each COA against criteria
(such as suitability, feasibility, and acceptability) to determine which COA best accomplishes
the mission.
High-Yield Pearl: The staff recommends a COA; the commander approves it.
10. Which of the following is NOT a component of the Mission Variables (METT-TC)?
A) Time Available
