What is the purpose of a Running Estimate in maritime planning?

• A. To track fuel consumption.
• B. To document crew medical records.
• C. To determine weather routing.
• D. To maintain the commander’s decision-ready picture by summarizing the Situation, Mission/Intent, Courses of Action, and Risks.

Answer: (D)

The running estimate is a continuous, decision-focused assessment that keeps the commander’s decision-ready picture current. It boils the situation, intent, options, and risks into an up-to-date snapshot that reflects changes in the environment, threat, or plan and shows how those changes affect the current course of action or potential alternatives.

The Situation sets the context and current reality; the Mission/Intent links what we’re trying to achieve and why it matters; the Courses of Action present viable ways to accomplish the mission; and the Risks identify potential obstacles and their impact on each option. Together, they keep the planning team aligned, allow rapid reassessment, and support timely decisions as conditions evolve.

Other activities like tracking fuel consumption or maintaining medical records are important, but they don’t capture the decision-focused picture the running estimate provides. Weather routing is a planning task, but the running estimate encompasses the whole picture—what is happening, what we aim to do, the options, and the risks—so leaders can decide and adjust quickly.