ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide - Army Electronic ...

Chapter 6
Running Estimates
This chapter defines running estimate and describes how the commander and staff
build and maintain their running estimates throughout the operations process. This
chapter provides a generic running estimate format that the commander and each staff
section may modify to fit their functional area. See JP 5-0 for information on joint
estimates.
TYPES OF RUNNING ESTIMATES
6-1. A running estimate is the continuous assessment of the current situation used to determine if the
current operation is proceeding according to the commander’s intent and if planned future operations are
supportable (FM 5-0). The commander and each staff section maintain a running estimate. In their running
estimates, the commander and each staff section continuously consider the effects of new information and
update the following:
� Facts.
� Assumptions.
� Friendly force status.
� Enemy activities and capabilities.
� Civil considerations.
� Conclusions and recommendations.
6-2. Commanders maintain their running estimates to consolidate their understanding and visualization of
an operation. The commander’s running estimate summarizes the problem and integrates information and
knowledge of the staff’s and subordinate commanders’ running estimates.
6-3. Each staff section builds and maintains running estimates. The running estimate helps the staff to
track and record pertinent information as well as to provide recommendations to commanders. Running
estimates represent the analysis and expert opinion of each staff section by functional area. Staffs maintain
running estimates throughout the operations process to assist commanders in the exercise of mission
command.
6-4. Each staff section and command post functional cell maintains a running estimate focused on how
their specific areas of expertise are postured to support future operations. Because an estimate may be
needed at any time, running estimates must be developed, revised, updated, and maintained continuously
while in garrison and during operations. While in garrison, staffs must maintain a running estimate on
friendly capabilities.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF RUNNING ESTIMATES
6-5. A comprehensive running estimate addresses all aspects of operations and contains both facts and
assumptions based on the staff’s experience within a specific area of expertise. Figure 6-1 (page 6-2)
provides the base format for a running estimate that parallels the planning process. Each staff section
modifies it to account for their specific functional areas. All running estimates cover essential facts and
assumptions including a summary of the current situation by the mission variables, conclusions, and
recommendations. Once they complete the plan, commanders and staff sections continuously update their
estimates.
14 September 2011 ATTP 5-0.1 6-1