text: Chapter 5
  SECTION II – THE PLANNING PROCESS
  The Army planning methodologies assist commanders and staffs with effective planning processes.
  The Army design methodology, MDMP, and troop leading procedures are three planning processes defined
  in ADP 5-0. Leaders determine the appropriate mix based on the mission or operation. Each is a means to an
  end, and its value lies in the result, not in the process. Processes can be performed in detail if time permits or
  in an abbreviated fashion in a time-constrained environment.
  STAFF PROCESSES
  Although they are not fully developed planning methodologies, engineers use a number of other
  processes, activities, and frameworks to facilitate the planning and integration of engineer support. They
  include the—
  * Running estimate.
  * Framework of assured mobility.
  * Development of essential tasks for M/CM/S.
  PLANNING
  Except in the smallest echelon of Army units, commanders rely on assistance from a staff to conduct
  the planning processes that lead to the OPLAN or OPORD. ADP 6-0 describes the organization and
  responsibilities of the engineer staff. Engineer planners provide for the integration of engineer-focused
  considerations on the supported staff at each echelon. Throughout the planning process, the engineer staff
  must advise supported commanders and staffs about engineering capabilities, methods of employment, and
  the additional capabilities and depth of resources from the institutional force and USACE In those units
  without organic engineer staff support (including support type organizations), it may be important for the
  supporting engineer organization to provide planning support. Liaison may need to be provided in certain
  situations to ensure that proper and complete staff planning is accomplished.
  The engineer staff officer at each echelon is responsible for engineer logistics estimates, and the
  engineer staff officer plans and monitors engineer-related sustainment support for engineering capabilities
  operating at that echelon. When an engineer unit or capability is task-organized in support of the unit, the
  engineer staff officer recommends the most effective command or support relationship, including considering
  the impact of inherent sustainment responsibilities. The engineer staff officer—
  * Determines engineer intelligence requirements for an AO.
  * Writes the engineer annex and associated appendixes to the OPLAN or OPORD to support the
  commander’s intent, to include a recommended distribution for engineer-related, command-
  regulated classes of supply and special equipment.
  * Assists in planning the location of forward supply points for the delivery of engineer-configured
  loads of Class IV and Class V supplies. This site is coordinated with the unit responsible for the
  terrain and the appropriate logistics staff officer (S-4) or assistant chief of staff, logistics (G-4).
  * Assists in planning the location of the engineer equipment parks for the pre-positioning of critical
  equipment sets (tactical bridging). This site is coordinated with the unit responsible for the terrain
  and the appropriate S-4 or G-4.
  * Works closely with the sustainment staff to identify available haul assets (including HN) and
  recommends priorities to the sustainment planners.
  * Identifies extraordinary medical evacuation requirements or coverage issues for engineer units and
  coordinates with sustainment planners to ensure that the supporting unit can accomplish these
  special workloads.
  * Identifies critical engineer equipment and engineer mission logistics shortages.
  * Provides the appropriate S-4 or G-4 an initial estimate of required Class III supplies in support of
  construction.
  * Provides the appropriate S-4 or G-4 an initial estimate of required Class IV and Class V supplies
  for the countermobility and survivability efforts.