B. (Note: This and subsequent headings are entered in the manner indicated as to Section I-A, above.)
The remaining necessary headings and subheadings of the Estimate Form would be entered similarly, in due order, on succeeding pages.
The use of a voluminous work-sheet is facilitated by entering item headings in a narrow column at the left, and by cutting away unused space below the several headings in such column, so that all the headings (or the more important ones) can be seen at a glance. A person using the work-sheet can then readily find any page desired.
The main heading (top, first page) is filled out in the same manner as for the journal.
The other headings, for subdivisions of the work sheet, are ordinarily transcribed from the usual Estimate Form, according to the needs for the purpose of the particular work sheet. Such needs will vary with circumstances. As has also been noted, the Estimate Form, itself (Chapter VI), varies with the situation. For these reasons, the work-sheet form is necessarily flexible, and will rarely be prescribed in detail. Reproduction by printing, etc., will not be so frequent as in the case of more rigid forms. The work sheet is authenticated only if it is filed (see below), or if authentication is desired for other reasons. The work sheet is, in fact, as indicated by its name, merely a vehicle to facilitate the performance of important mental work.
When the work sheet has served its purpose, it is usually destroyed. It is not, ordinarily, a permanent record, since such purpose is served by the journal and its file. When a formal Estimate is made up from the work sheet, such Estimate may serve the purpose of an additional record. If no formal Estimate is made up for a given period and the commander desires the corresponding work sheet to be preserved for record, he may so direct.
Ordinarily, the work sheet is not destroyed or filed (and a new one started) at any specified time. The work sheet is kept current by marking out old entries no longer applicable; by inserting new entries; and by inserting fresh pages when old ones have been filled. The old pages, unless otherwise desired, may be destroyed.
A separate page of the work sheet is ordinarily used for each item under which entries are to be made. This procedure applies not only to principal headings, but also to subordinate titles, according to the convenience of the user.
The procedure of devoting a separate page, initially, to each item of the form enables additional pages to be inserted, where needed. Manifestly, the amount of space needed for particular items of the form cannot always be foreseen. The entries, for example, under the "Summary of the Situation", in Section I-A of the Estimate Form, may require little space or a great deal, depending upon the occurrence of events and upon the period of time covered by the particular work sheet. The same considerations are applicable as to other items.
When a work sheet is used as the basis for rendering special reports (e.g., as to intelligence or operations), its form follows that used for such reports. It is, therefore, in essence, merely an outline-form, for entry of applicable data.