Which is a COA screening criterion name to ensure a COA can be compared?

Which is a COA screening criterion name to ensure a COA can be compared?

• A. Distinguishable
• B. Complete
• C. Feasible
• D. Suitable

Answer: (A)

Distinguishable is the best fit because, when screening COAs, you need each option to differ in meaningful ways so you can compare them objectively. If COAs look the same on the critical dimensions, the evaluation won’t reveal trade-offs, and you won’t be able to tell which one is better. Distinguishable ensures there are differences in outcomes, risks, or resource use that let you rank and select the most favorable option. The other criteria matter too in evaluating a COA—completeness ensures it covers required actions, feasibility checks whether it can be done, and suitability confirms it supports the mission. But they don’t guarantee you can compare COAs; distinguishability specifically enables meaningful comparison.

Distinguishable is the best fit because, when screening COAs, you need each option to differ in meaningful ways so you can compare them objectively. If COAs look the same on the critical dimensions, the evaluation won’t reveal trade-offs, and you won’t be able to tell which one is better. Distinguishable ensures there are differences in outcomes, risks, or resource use that let you rank and select the most favorable option.

The other criteria matter too in evaluating a COA—completeness ensures it covers required actions, feasibility checks whether it can be done, and suitability confirms it supports the mission. But they don’t guarantee you can compare COAs; distinguishability specifically enables meaningful comparison.