In the WTF troop leadership process, which step is performed first?

• A. Begin Planning
• B. Arrange for Reconnaissance and Coordination
• C. Make Reconnaissance
• D. Complete Planning

Answer: (A)

Starting planning right after you receive the mission kicks everything off. As soon as you know the objective and constraints, you begin shaping a workable approach— outlining tasks, sequencing actions, and setting a rough timeline. That initial planning creates the framework you’ll use to decide what reconnaissance is needed and what coordination must occur. Without a plan to guide them, reconnaissance would be unfocused and coordination could target the wrong elements. Reconnaissance and coordination are then used to verify and refine that plan, followed by making the reconnaissance actual and, finally, completing the plan. So beginning planning happens first because it establishes the purpose, direction, and scope for everything that follows.