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

Problem Solving, Staff Studies, and Decision Papers
includes an official memorandum for the commander’s signature that implements the action. The leader
coordinates staff studies with all affected organizations. Staff studies include statements of nonconcurrence,
if applicable, so that the decisionmaker clearly understands all staff members’ support for the
recommendation. A staff study is comprehensive; it includes all relevant information needed to solve the
problem and a complete description of the methodology used to arrive at the recommended solution.
11-41. The staff study follows the seven-step Army problem-solving process. This ensures that the staff
clearly identifies the problem, follows a logical sequence, and produces a justifiable solution.
11-42. The body of a completed staff study is a stand-alone document. While annexes are a part of most
staff studies, a decisionmaker should not have to refer to them to understand the recommendation and the
basis for it. Annexes contain details and supporting information and help keep the body of the study
concise.
THE STAFF STUDY FORMAT
11-43. Staff studies are prepared as informal memorandums in the format at Figure 11-2, page 11-8 (see
AR 25-50). Units may establish their own format to meet local requirements.
Memorandum For
Subject
11-44. Address the staff study to the decisionmaker. Include thru addressees if required.
11-45. Succinctly describe the subject to distinguish it from other documents as a courtesy to the
decisionmaker. Do not simply state “Staff Study” as this does not provide sufficient detail, nor does it
convey any information about the subject.
Problem
11-46. In paragraph 1, concisely state the problem as an infinitive phrase or question. An infinitive phrase
uses a verb, but has no subject; for example, “To determine...”, or, “How to....” Include in your problem
statement who, what, when, and where, if pertinent.
Recommendation
11-47. In paragraph 2, recommend a solution or solutions based on the conclusion in paragraph 10. If
there are several recommendations, state each one in a separate subparagraph.
Background
Facts
11-48. In paragraph 3, briefly state why the problem exists. Provide enough information to place the
problem in context. This discussion may include the origin of the action and a summary of related events. If
a tasking document is the source of the problem, place it in enclosure 2 and refer to it here.
11-49. In paragraph 4, state all facts that influence the problem or its solution. List each fact as a separate
subparagraph. Make sure to state the facts precisely and attribute them correctly. Facts must stand-alone:
either something is a generally accepted fact or it is attributed to a source that asserts it to be true. There is
no limit to the number of facts as long as every fact is relevant. Include all facts relevant to the problem, not
just facts used to support the study. The decisionmaker must have an opportunity to consider facts that do
not support the recommendation. State any guidance given by the decisionmaker. Refer to annexes as
necessary for amplification, references, mathematical formulas, or tabular data.
14 September 2011 ATTP 5-0.1 11-7