COA Lee.

This is coolbert:

COA = Course of action.

"course of action — 1. Any sequence of activities that an individual or unit may follow. 2. A scheme developed to accomplish a mission. Also called COA."

The Count of Paris as commenting on the various courses of action available to R.E. Lee during the Gettysburg Campaign, the invasion of the North, 1863/

COA as presented to Lee particularly when confronted by the mass force of the Union army in and around Gettysburg. As described by the Count:

"He [Lee] has four alternative to select from. [1] He has the choice to retire into the gaps of the South Mountain, in order to compel Meade to come after him, or [2] to wait steadily in his present positions for the attack of the Federals, or again, [3] to maneuver, in order to dislodge them from those they occupy by menacing their communications by the right or left;  or finally, to [4] storm these positions in front, in the hope of carrying them by main force. The best plan would undoubtedly have been the first, because, by preserving the strategic offensive, Lee would thus secure all the advantages of the tactical defensive." - - the Count of Paris.

According to A.L. Long, the Military Secretary to General Lee during the war, COA # 1 and # 2 not possible. the Army of Northern Virginia not having organized supply to sustain a prolonged period of combat. COA # 3 also not possible, Confederate cavalry absent, not providing valuable intelligence necessary for General Lee to make sound decisions.

AND WE ALL KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES OF COA # 4. ON THIS DATE [3 JULY] IN 1863, PICKETT'S CHARGE, THE RESULTS DISASTROUS.

coolbert.