8-6. The base running estimate addresses information unique to each functional area. It serves as the staff element’s initial assessment of the current readiness of equipment and personnel and of how the factors considered in the running estimate affect the staff’s ability to accomplish the mission. Each staff element identifies functional area friendly and enemy strengths, systems, training, morale, leadership, and weather and terrain effects, and how all these factors impact the operational environment, including the area of operations. Because the running estimate is a picture relative to time, facts, and assumptions, each staff element constantly updates the estimate as new information arises, as assumptions become facts or are invalidated, when the mission changes, or when the commander requires additional input.