nt) 43

The Basis for Solution of a Military Problem--The Major
Components of a Military Problem--Essential
Elements--Selection of Correct Military Objectives--
Determination of Effective Military Operations--Physical
Objectives--Relative Positions--Apportionment of Fighting
Strength--Freedom of Action--Summary.

V The Four Steps in the Solution of a Military Problem 79

A Situation--The Incentive--The Assigned Objective--The
Motivating Task--The Natural Mental Processes--The Approach
to the Solution--The First Step--The Basic Problem--Tasks--
The Mission--Survey of Factors of Fighting Strength--Courses
of Action--Reflective Thinking--Naval Operations--Analysis
and Selection of Courses of Action--The Decision--The Second
Step--The Third Step--The Fourth Step--Sequence of Events in
the Four Steps--The Use of a Form in the Solution of
Problems--Conclusion.

*PART II. THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN PLANNING.

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) 117

Process of solving a Problem--Sections of the Estimate
Form--Establishment of the Basis for Solution of the
Problem--Determination of Suitable, Feasible, and
Acceptable Courses of Action--Examination into the
Capabilities of the Enemy--Selection of the Best Course
of Action--The Decision.

VII The Resolution of the Required Action into Detailed
Operations (The Second Step--The Solution of Subsidiary
Problems) 155

Assumptions--Alternative Plans--Application of the
Essential Elements of a Favorable Military Operation--
Testing for Suitability, Feasibility, and Acceptability--
Formulation of Tasks--Organization of Task Groups--
Application of the Fundamental Military Principle to the
Determination of Objectives embodied in Tasks--Assembly
of Measures for Freedom of Action--Preparation of
Subsidiary Plans.

*PART III. THE EXERCISE OF PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT IN THE
EXECUTION OF THE PLAN

VIII The Inauguration of the Planned Action (The Third
Step--The Formulation and Issue of Directives) 183

Scope of the Third Step--