_Captain Jones_: “We then consider our plans of action—what we are going to do. There is no information on which to base our plans very far ahead. We can only get the advance party into the most favorable formation and be prepared for eventualities. We will have a point, consisting of one squad, precede the advance party at about 200 yards. The rest of the platoon will march in column of twos, a file on each side of the road. From this formation a rapid deployment can be made, and we are always ready to meet the enemy. Measures for local protection will be taken as the march progresses.” _The Director_: “Lieutenant Baker, what is the next step in this process?” _Lieutenant Baker_: “Based upon what has been said before we arrive at a decision as to what we are going to do. In this case it would be—To march at (_m_) o’clock by the (_n_)—(_o_) road as advance party of the advance guard. We then embody this decision in a field order and issue it verbally to the platoon.” Explanation _The Director_: “All of that which we have just discussed is what we call the ‘Estimate of the Situation.’ It is simply a sizing up of the tactical situation in a logical and systematic manner. The commander of troops who fails to do this fails to do everything possible to promote the success of the military operation he is about to undertake—he does not take advantage of all the aids at his disposal. The commander who blunders into action without sizing up the situation as we have outlined here is doomed to failure and disaster. It may be an operation in which there is little to consider—where there is little choice of methods—but you should religiously go through the process, even if only a few minutes of time are available. “At this point I want to invite your attention to the merits of the simple five paragraph field order provided for in our Field Service Regulations. The elements of it are: “Paragraph 1. Information of the enemy and our own troops. “Paragraph 2. The plan of the commander, stated in general terms. “Paragraph 3. Orders for the several elements of the command. “Paragraph 4. Administrative and communication arrangements. “Paragraph 5. The place where messages are to be sent, or where the commander will march.