Strategic and operational estimates determine whether different courses of action can be sustained and the force's ability to regenerate combat potential. Planners also examine measures that can reduce the enemy's operational tempo. Planners integrate NBC defense, nuclear weapons use, non-lethal, and smoke at theater, strategic and operational level as combat multipliers in support of mission accomplishment. For example, NBC defense unit availability increases the force's ability to sustain operations or to regenerate force capability under NBC conditions. The allocation of critical resources, such as large area smoke generation, supports the commander's intent to influence the battle in a given area which improves our force's combat power at a decisive point.
Tactical planning is a continuous process.
Commanders and staffs incessantly assess how new information impacts current and future operations. Although unit planning is a continuous process linking current and future actions, this chapter discusses planning as a sequential process beginning with receipt of a mission order. A staff supports the commander with the resources needed to command and control his organization in battle. Together, they integrate the unit's capabilities into a single effort to defeat the enemy. In most cases the chemical officer or NCO serves as a special staff officer.