14-10. While the military decisionmaking process (MDMP) seeks the optimal solution (see chapter 9), the rapid decisionmaking and synchronization process seeks a timely and effective solution within the commander’s intent, mission, and concept of operations. Using the rapid decisionmaking and synchronization process lets leaders avoid the time-consuming requirements of developing decision criteria and comparing courses of action (COAs). Operational and mission variables continually change during execution. This often invalidates or weakens COAs and decision criteria before leaders can make a decision. Under the rapid decisionmaking and synchronization process, leaders combine their experience and intuition to quickly reach situational understanding. Based on this, they develop and refine workable COAs.