9-6. The MDMP consists of seven steps, as shown in figure 9-1. Each step of the MDMP has various inputs, a step to conduct, and outputs. Each step also has a series of processes that commanders and staffs conduct to produce the outputs. The outputs lead to an increased understanding of the situation, facilitating the next step of the MDMP. Commanders and staffs generally perform these steps sequentially; however, they may revisit several steps in an iterative fashion as they learn more about the situation before producing the plan or order.