text: Chapter 4
  (cid:122) Friendly force status.
  (cid:122) Enemy activities and capabilities.
  (cid:122) Civil considerations.
  (cid:122) Conclusions and recommendations.
  4-274. Running estimates always include recommendations for anticipated decisions. During planning,the
  BCT commander uses these recommendations to select feasible,acceptable,and suitable COAsfor further
  analysis. The commander uses recommendations from running estimates in decision-making during
  preparation and execution.
  4-275. The BCT staff maintains formal running estimates while the commander’s estimate is a mental
  process directly tied to the commander’s vision. The commander integrates personal knowledge of the
  situation with analysis of the operational and mission variables, with subordinate commanders and other
  organizations assessments, and with relevant details gained from running estimates. The BCT commander
  uses a running estimate to crosscheck and supplement the staff’s running estimates. A running estimate
  format is included in FM 6-0.
  Information
  4-276. CPs within the BCT monitor communications nets, receive reports, and process information to
  satisfy commander needs or critical information requirements. This information is maintained,in addition to
  digital systems,on maps,charts,and logs. Each section or cell maintains daily journals to log messages and
  radio traffic. CPs maintain information as easily understood map graphics and charts. Status charts can be
  combined with situation maps to give the commander and staff friendly and enemy situation snapshots for
  the planning process. This information is updated continuously. For simplicity,all map boards should be the
  same size and scale and overlay mounting holes should be standard on all map boards. This allows easy
  transfer of overlays from one board to another. The following procedures for posting friendly and enemy
  information on the map aid the commander and staff in following the flow of battle:
  (cid:122) Friendly and enemy unit symbols are displayed on clear acetate placed on the operations overlay.
  These symbols can be marked with regular stick cellophane tape or with marking pen.
  (cid:122) Units normally keep track of subordinate units, two levels down. This may be difficult during
  offensive operations. It may be necessary to track locations of immediate subordinate units instead.
  Battle Captain
  4-277. Battle captain positions are habitually filled,and found in most,if not all CPs. They coordinate the
  day-to-day staff activities,in effect acting as an assistant XO,and provide continuity for the staff’s actions.
  The battle captain’s informal role is to plan, coordinate, supervise, and maintain communication flow
  throughout the CP to ensure the successful accomplishment of all assigned missions. The battle captain assists
  the commander, XO, and S-3 by being the focal point in the CP for communications, coordination, and
  knowledge and information management. The battle captain is also the CP officer in charge in the absence
  of the commander,XO,and S-3. To function effectively,the battle captain must have a working knowledge
  of all elements in the CP,understand unit SOPs,and ensure CP personnel use them. The battle captain must
  know the current plan and task organization of the unit and understand the commander’s intent.
  4-278. Battle captains integrate into the decision-making process and know why certain key decisions were
  made. Battle captains must know the technical aspects of the battle plan and understand the time-space
  relationship to execute any specific support task. Battle captains must understand and enforce the battle
  rhythm, the standard events or actions that happen during a normal 24-hour period and ensure that the CP
  staff is effective throughout the period. Understanding their assigned authorities,battle captains use judgment
  to adjust activities and events to accomplish the mission across different shifts, varying tactical
  circumstances,and changes in the CP location. Battle captains have the overall responsibility for the smooth
  functioning of the facility and its staff elements. This range of responsibility includes—
  (cid:122) Maintaining continuous operations (while static and mobile).
  (cid:122) Tracking the current situation.
  (cid:122) Ensuring communications are maintained and all messages and reports are logged.