RDMS Step 5: What is the primary action?

RDMS Step 5: What is the primary action?

• A. Issue fragmentary order (FRAGO)
• B. Develop a COA
• C. Compare current situation to order
• D. Refine and validate

Answer: (A)

When the situation on the ground changes, the primary action is to issue a fragmentary order. A FRAGO updates only the parts of the plan that have changed, while leaving the rest intact, so subordinates receive timely guidance without waiting for a full rewrite. This keeps momentum and reduces confusion during execution, which is exactly what Step 5 of RDMS is about—adjusting and communicating the necessary changes quickly. Developing a Course of Action is a planning activity done earlier in the decision cycle to explore options, not the immediate action needed once execution is underway. Comparing the current situation to the order is part of ongoing assessment to determine whether changes are needed, not the action that implements those changes. Refining and validating typically occur during planning and verification phases to ensure the plan remains sound, rather than serving as the direct method to disseminate changes in execution.

When the situation on the ground changes, the primary action is to issue a fragmentary order. A FRAGO updates only the parts of the plan that have changed, while leaving the rest intact, so subordinates receive timely guidance without waiting for a full rewrite. This keeps momentum and reduces confusion during execution, which is exactly what Step 5 of RDMS is about—adjusting and communicating the necessary changes quickly.

Developing a Course of Action is a planning activity done earlier in the decision cycle to explore options, not the immediate action needed once execution is underway. Comparing the current situation to the order is part of ongoing assessment to determine whether changes are needed, not the action that implements those changes. Refining and validating typically occur during planning and verification phases to ensure the plan remains sound, rather than serving as the direct method to disseminate changes in execution.