At battalion level, how does long-range planning start?

Long-range planning at the battalion level begins with a unit assessment. This process involves evaluating the current capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the unit, as well as identifying future requirements and objectives. By conducting a comprehensive unit assessment, leaders can gain an understanding of where the battalion stands in terms of personnel, equipment, training, and logistics. This foundational step informs subsequent planning efforts, ensuring that future training and operational goals are aligned with the unit's assessed needs and mission readiness.

Other options, while potentially useful in planning processes, do not serve as the initial step. After-action reviews are focused on learning from past events, which is more suited to refining strategies or improving future performance based on experiences rather than initiating long-term planning. Using historical data can provide valuable insights and context, but it typically complements the initial assessment rather than replaces it. Identifying resource needs is also crucial, but to effectively do so, one must first understand the unit's current status and requirements, which is accomplished through the unit assessment.