Who normally conducts the initial comparison in Step 1?

• A. The assessment section
• B. The future operations cell
• C. The COS or XO
• D. The current operations integration cell

Answer: (D)

In this step, the initial comparison between what is happening now and what is planned for the future is led by the current operations integration cell. This team sits at the crossroads of ongoing operations and planning, gathering up-to-date status, resources, and conditions from the field and then mapping those against the proposed future operations. Their job is to identify gaps, constraints, and transition issues early so the plan can be adjusted accordingly.

The other roles aren’t doing this initial pass. The assessment section is focused on evaluating options and outcomes, the future operations cell concentrates on crafting the plan for the future phase, and the COS or XO provide oversight and decision authority rather than performing the detailed, data-driven comparison.