ability (see also page 31)
calls for conformity as to both the nature and the scope of
the motivating task. With respect to conformity in nature,
the test leads to a conclusion as to whether the course of
action, if carried out successfully, will or will not
contribute to the accomplishment of the task. As to scope,
the test leads to a conclusion as to whether the course of
action, if carried out successfully, will or will not
accomplish the task in full; and, if not in full, to what
extent. The factor of urgency is also considered here.

It is frequently possible for the commander, merely by
concentrating his thought on this particular perplexity, to
conclude at once that the course of action is suitable. In
other cases, a considerable amount of study may be needed.
This analytical study consists in breaking down the course of
action into its component parts, i.e., the detailed operations
which naturally grow out of it. This procedure is similar to
that described later (Chapter VII), with respect to
formulating a plan, but during the basic estimate the
procedure, when utilized, is for a different reason--solely
that of assisting in the analysis.

(2) Details, (a) Conformity as to nature. Will the course of
action, if successfully carried out, contribute, at least in
some degree, to the accomplishment of the task? If not, such a
course is rejected. Courses that do contribute, however, are
not rejected until the possibilities of combination have been
examined, later.

(b) Completeness. If the course of action is successfully
carried out, will it accomplish in full the motivating task?
If not, how much will it contribute towards such
accomplishment? With what other courses of action can it be
combined, to accomplish the motivating task in full? With what
others can it be combined to accomplish the motivating task in
part, and in such case how nearly does the combination
contribute to full accomplishment?

This examination may lead to combinations of certain partial
solutions.

(c) Desirability as to Urgency. The commander now considers
the element of time. Complete accomplishment of the motivating
task within his own theater may come too late to meet the
requirements of the common effort of the entire force.
Synchronization with the action of other tas