Which acronym is used to identify the tactical problem statement, force composition, and COA during mission planning?

• A. SPINS
• B. OSC
• C. IP
• D. METT-TC

Answer: (D)

METT-TC is the framework used to structure mission analysis by examining Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time, and Civil Considerations. This integrated assessment guides you to frame the tactical problem statement and determine what forces and assets are available to address it, which in turn informs the development and evaluation of courses of action. In short, METT-TC ties together the why, what, where, and when of planning to shape feasible and effective COAs. Other options don’t provide this comprehensive planning lens: SPINS are instructions for operations, while OSC and IP relate to different domains and don’t offer the full, structured analysis needed for identifying the problem and forming COAs.