It summarizes the Strategic Estimate of the Baltic Region and provides a recommendation on one of three options concerning the combatant command’s strategy for the region regarding Kaliningrad. Your grade will be based on your ability to write clearly and concisely, as well as your ability to analyze the problem and the options using the validity criteria

The paper consists of two parts:

a. A two page Background/Discussion; and

b. One page Conclusion and Recommendations.

3. You may refer to the online C200 lessons, readings, and references if you need to review key concepts of the strategic environment block. You may not discuss this assignment with anyone other than a DDE faculty member or your academic advisor.

4. This writing requirement on three criteria:

a. Substance (accurate depiction of information, ideas, analysis from Strategic Estimate)

b. Organization (adherence to prescribed format and guidelines)

c. Writing Quality (style – tone, precision; correctness – spelling, punctuation, grammar)

CONGRESSIONAL BACKGROUND PAPER

SCENARIO AND SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS

It is December 2020. 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 C207 slides provided) 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.

Use the format provided below

STRATEGIC ESTIMATE OF THE BALTIC REGION

1. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION. Include the heading above with your name. The paper will not exceed three pages. The focus is Kaliningrad and is designed to provide maximum information in a manner that is easily absorbed. The format is appropriate for use whenever the need for presenting summarized information arises. You will use no more than two pages to summarize the Strategic Estimate that you were provided. This is a narrative summary not a cut and paste. Within this paper, you must include key points from each section of the Strategic Estimate: Introduction, Strategic Environment, Strategic Direction, Strategic and Operational Challenges, Potential Opportunities, and Assessment of Risks. Use complete, concise sentences and cover sub-points clearly and concisely. Use the headings below to delineate each section of the paper.

a. Introduction

b. Strategic Environment

c. Strategic Direction

d. Strategic and Operational Challenges

e. Potential Opportunities (Explain each option from the Strategic Estimate using DIME) this is a description of potential opportunities in each Option that we may leverage, or that provides a benefit for the U.S.

Option 1: Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic

Option 2: Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic

Option 3: Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic

f. Assessment of Risks & Mitigation

2. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. This section is the opportunity for the Action Officer (you) to apply your judgment, weigh the alternatives, and recommend one of the options presented in the approved Strategic Estimate. You will use no more than one page for your recommendation.

Ensure you address the Validity criteria of Feasible, Acceptable, Suitable, and Complete in your recommendation. Identify potential risks and mitigation.

Ensure you justify your recommendation by explaining why it is superior in comparison to the other possible options. You may use the decision matrix slide as a tool to help you determine the superior option. If you the chart ensure you explain what it means.