text: Chapter 4
  REVIEW AND UPDATE THE RUNNING ESTIMATE
  4-17. Running estimates are integral to IO planning. A running estimate is the continuous assessment of the
  current situation, and is used to determine if the current operation is proceeding according to the commander's
  intent and if planned future operations are supportable (ADP 5-0). Running estimates help the IO officer
  record and track pertinent information about the information environment leading to a basis for
  recommendations to the commander.
  4-18. The IO officer uses the running estimate to assist with completion of each step of the MDMP. An
  effective running estimate is as comprehensive as possible within the time available but also organized so
  that the information is easily communicated and processed. Normally, the running estimate provides enough
  information to draft the applicable IO sections of WARNORDs as required during planning and ultimately
  to draft applicable IO sections of the operation order (OPORD) or operation plan (OPLAN).
  4-19. Variations on the standard, narrative format, such as the example provided in figure 4-2, enable the IO
  officer to spotlight facts and assumptions, critical planning factors, and available forces. The latter of these
  requires input from assigned or available IRCs. The graphical format also offers a clear, concise mechanism
  for the IO officer to articulate recommended high-payoff targets, commander's critical information
  requirements, and requests for forces. Maintaining both formats simultaneously provides certain benefits: the
  narrative format enables the IO officer to cut-and-paste sections directly into applicable sections of orders;
  the graphical format enables the element to brief the commander and staff with a single slide.
  4-20. Running estimate development never stops. The IO officer continuously maintains and updates the
  running estimate as pertinent information is received. While at home station, the IO officer maintains a
  running estimate on friendly capabilities. If regionally aligned, the unit prepares its estimate based on research
  and analysis of the information environment within its region and anticipated mission sets.
  Figure 4-2. Example graphical IO running estimate