CORPORAL COURSE TACTICAL PLANNING
EXAM SCRIPT 2026 ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
•At the end of this step, leaders will emerge with an initial plan that
they expect to execute, pending the validation of the assumptions
made during planning. To begin answering questions about the
enemy or environment, leaders will arrange to conduct a
reconnaissance.
• ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Answer: The purpose of the
estimate of the situation is to collect and analyze relevant
information for developing, within the time limits and available
information, the most effective solution to a problem.
•Although normally used in solving tactical problems, it is applicable
to other military activities. The estimate is as thorough as time and
circumstances permit.
•Estimates are revised continuously as factors affecting the
operation change, as new facts are recognized, as assumptions are
replaced by facts or rendered invalid, or as changes to the mission
are received or indicated.
•Detailed analysis conducted before mission execution will increase
the speed and accuracy of decisions as the situation changes at the
point of friction.
,• ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION (METT-T ANALYSIS). Answer:
Mission
•Task analysis: The unit leader must identify and understand all that
is required for the successful accomplishment of the mission. This
includes tasks received in the unit's task statement and coordinating
instructions from the higher commander's operations order.
•Limitations: These are restrictions on the freedom of action of the
friendly force; these prohibit the commander from doing something
specific. Tactical control measures, rules of engagement (ROE), and
the statements, "Be prepared to...," "Not earlier than...," "On order...,"
are some examples of limitations.
Enemy
Composition, Disposition, and Strength
Answer the questions:
•What does the enemy have?
•What is the enemy trying to accomplish?
Describe your enemy:
•Identify the forces and equipment that the enemy can bring to bear
within your unit's zone or sector.
•Also considered are known and suspected enemy locations and
strength estimates in relation to personnel, equipment, and support
capabilities.
, •The elements of the acronym SALUTE are helpful when developing
and organizing this information.
Capabilities and Limitations
Answer the questions:
•What can the enemy do?
•How will the enemy use each available element of combat power?
Analyze the enemy's ability or inability to conduct various
operations against your unit under any reasonably foreseeable
situation.
•The acronym DRAW-D serves as a reminder of the minimum
factors to be considered.
Terrain and weather
-terrain analysts
-weather analysts
-civil considerations
Troops and fire support
The unit leader must also consider:
•Mental and physical condition of the Marines
•Level of unit and individual training
EXAM SCRIPT 2026 ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
•At the end of this step, leaders will emerge with an initial plan that
they expect to execute, pending the validation of the assumptions
made during planning. To begin answering questions about the
enemy or environment, leaders will arrange to conduct a
reconnaissance.
• ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION. Answer: The purpose of the
estimate of the situation is to collect and analyze relevant
information for developing, within the time limits and available
information, the most effective solution to a problem.
•Although normally used in solving tactical problems, it is applicable
to other military activities. The estimate is as thorough as time and
circumstances permit.
•Estimates are revised continuously as factors affecting the
operation change, as new facts are recognized, as assumptions are
replaced by facts or rendered invalid, or as changes to the mission
are received or indicated.
•Detailed analysis conducted before mission execution will increase
the speed and accuracy of decisions as the situation changes at the
point of friction.
,• ESTIMATE OF THE SITUATION (METT-T ANALYSIS). Answer:
Mission
•Task analysis: The unit leader must identify and understand all that
is required for the successful accomplishment of the mission. This
includes tasks received in the unit's task statement and coordinating
instructions from the higher commander's operations order.
•Limitations: These are restrictions on the freedom of action of the
friendly force; these prohibit the commander from doing something
specific. Tactical control measures, rules of engagement (ROE), and
the statements, "Be prepared to...," "Not earlier than...," "On order...,"
are some examples of limitations.
Enemy
Composition, Disposition, and Strength
Answer the questions:
•What does the enemy have?
•What is the enemy trying to accomplish?
Describe your enemy:
•Identify the forces and equipment that the enemy can bring to bear
within your unit's zone or sector.
•Also considered are known and suspected enemy locations and
strength estimates in relation to personnel, equipment, and support
capabilities.
, •The elements of the acronym SALUTE are helpful when developing
and organizing this information.
Capabilities and Limitations
Answer the questions:
•What can the enemy do?
•How will the enemy use each available element of combat power?
Analyze the enemy's ability or inability to conduct various
operations against your unit under any reasonably foreseeable
situation.
•The acronym DRAW-D serves as a reminder of the minimum
factors to be considered.
Terrain and weather
-terrain analysts
-weather analysts
-civil considerations
Troops and fire support
The unit leader must also consider:
•Mental and physical condition of the Marines
•Level of unit and individual training
