Walden University Strategic Estimate of Baltic Region Strategic Estimate Point Paper
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. The Strategic Estimate Point Paper. Your paper will be based on the information from the Strategic Estimate provided, but you will turn in a 3-page paper. You will follow the format exactly. The easiest way to do that is to save the instructions document with your Last name _ First name_ Strategic Estimate Paper, as the file name. Then delete all of the instructions on the first page through the line below the instructions. Then cut the text instructions in the first part of the paper after 1. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION. Cut the text instructions in the second section as well. You will then have a shell with the correct format. 2. There are three objectives for Strategic Estimate Point Paper. First, it is a review of the content of the Strategic Estimate along with the concepts of DIME, Validity, Risk and logic (Paul & Elder elements of thought). The second goal is to evaluate writing style. The third goal is to acquaint students with a typical dilemma of having to prepare a staff product for a senior leader that fits a constrained format, but at the same time requires thought and effort to select the most pertinent information. 3. Understand that writing clearly and concisely is the basis for good staff work. This paper replicates a typical action officer dilemma of having too much information to fit into the confines of the required format. Focus on the key topic as indicated in the instructions below. Writing clearly, and very concisely, is a critical skill that is often more difficult than writing a longer paper. Failure to follow the local format will either result in your work being wasted or having to redo it to fit the format. Headings, numbering, and spacing are part of the format provided. The focus on citations is to get you in the (good) habit of providing to your boss where information (like assumptions, directives, facts, etc.) is coming from so it can both be verified, greater context obtained if needed, or the work can be updated by you or your replacement weeks or months or years after you are gone. It is how you present information in a way that enables your leader to quickly grasp the key points. The Thesis and key topic should be in the introduction (that is a form of BLUF). The Recommendation should be the first item in the second section (also a way to use BLUF). The secret to brevity is to write according to the Style of short clear statements in the active voice and focusing on the key topic. Finally, remember that the purpose and audience for the product you are producing must always be kept in mind as you write. 4. You must type your answers, using the format provided in this document. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER FORMAT. The format you must follow is described below. The text in the example below provides guidance on the use of the format and preparation of the paper, and also depicts the physical layout of the paper (single line spacing, indentation, numbering and lettering – 12 font Arial. The subject of the Congressional Background Paper (Kaliningrad) has been provided to you. (i.e. thesis in the introduction). To cite Power Point slides, use the slide number instead of a page number. The correct use of citations is to treat the subparagraphs in the Background Discussion section (a - f) as paraphrases of the Strategic Estimate Slides. That means there should be a minimum of six (6) endnote citations!! If you use a direct quote, cite it correctly. The paper consists of two parts: a. Two-page (limit) Background/Discussion; and b. One-page (limit) Conclusion and Recommendations. End notes do not count against the page limit. 5. You may refer to the online “Guide to Strategic Estimate Development” to review what information is in each section. 6. This writing requirement is worth a total of 100 points. Your grade will be based on four criteria: a. Substance (accurate depiction of information, ideas, analysis from Strategic Estimate): b. Organization (adherence to prescribed format and guidelines): c. Style (tone, precision, correct citations): d. Correctness (spelling, punctuation, grammar): SCENARIO AND SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS It is December 2021. You are an Action Officer (AO) and a member of a EUCOM J5 (ECJ5) Joint Planning Group (JPG). As directed by the Chief of Staff through the J5, your JPG has completed an update of the Strategic Estimate (see slides) for the Baltic Region to get the Commander up to speed on the situation in the region regarding Kaliningrad and provide the basis for a commander’s estimate and, if necessary, development of plans. Following the successful briefing of the Strategic Estimate (where it was approved), the Combatant Commander learned that he would have to travel to Washington to join the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at congressional hearings on the situation in the Baltic region regarding Kaliningrad. The Combatant Commander will depart for Washington sometime in the next few days. You have been tasked to prepare a paper for the Combatant Commander to use in testimony before congressional committees and in meetings in Washington regarding Kaliningrad. The intent is to provide analysis of the Strategic Estimate regarding Kaliningrad, not to regurgitate content.