ession. The
Estimate Form, as presented herein, is adaptable to military problems
of any nature. The systematic approach represented in the Form is
subject to adaptation by the competent commander--provided that the
essentials are preserved--in any manner appropriate to his personal
preference and to the nature of his particular problem.

The essentials of the military Estimate of the Situation, as a
specialized use of the natural mental processes, are inherent in the
proper application of the Fundamental Military Principle (see page
82). The Estimate Form merely provides a more detailed guide for the
use of the Principle. Facility in the use of the Principle will enable
the competent commander, once he has formed a proper understanding of
the basis for solution of a problem, to solve the problem correctly
without reference to the Estimate Form. Reference to the Form may be
necessary in problems of broad scope, in order to ensure a complete
survey of factors of fighting strength. Time, in such cases, is
usually available for purposes of a detailed study. Subject to this
exception, the Principle, alone, may be used effectively as a basis
for sound military decision,--a fact of particular significance where
time (page 22) is an element of immediate concern.

That this procedure may be successfully and repeatedly applied in the
fast-moving events of the decisive tactical engagement is, more
particularly, the goal of mental preparation for the exercise of
command.

PART II

THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT
IN PLANNING

CHAPTER VI

THE SELECTION OF A CORRECT OBJECTIVE

(Including the Determination, in Proper Detail, of the Action Required
for its Attainment)

The First Step--The Solution of a Basic Problem (The Estimate of the
Situation)

The type of problem distinctive of the first step, now to be
discussed, is a basic problem. It is the most likely type when
an organized chain of command is in effective operation, the
incentive for solution being derived from a directive issued
by higher authority (Chapter V).

The problem of the first step is described by the question,
"What objective should I select, and what action (in outline)
should I take for its attainment, in order to achieve the
objective assigned to me by higher authority?"

The procedure for solution of the type of problem distinctive of the
first step is that already indicated as applicable