2026-03-08 by emsenn Build a decision support matrix (DSM) that ties decision points to triggers, information requirements, decision authority, and pre-planned actions.

Build a Decision Support Matrix

A decision support matrix is an anti-surprise tool. It prevents the “we must decide now but we didn’t prepare” failure mode.

Steps

List decision points. Identify 5–15 points where a commander must choose among options.
Define the trigger. For each decision point, define an observable trigger that indicates the decision must be made.
Define the decision authority. Who decides if the commander is unavailable? Make delegation explicit.
Define information requirements. What must be known to decide? Keep it short; avoid wish lists.
Define the action. What is the pre-planned action if the trigger occurs?
Tie to collection and reporting. Ensure someone is responsible for detecting triggers and reporting them in time.

Output

A DSM table with columns:

Decision point
Trigger
Decision authority
Information required
Action
Who reports / when

Stress-test

Pick the three highest-risk decision points and ask: if communications are degraded, how late can the trigger be detected before the decision becomes useless?

Relations

Authors

emsenn

Date created

2026-03-08

Dependencies

Militarism disciplines western militarism schools military command terms decision support.md
Militarism disciplines western militarism schools military command terms decision points.md

Name

Build a decision support matrix

Part of

Militarism disciplines western militarism schools military command

Region

Runtime

Build a Decision Support Matrix

Steps

Output

Stress-test

Relations

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