ATP 2-33.4, page 37

Basic Structured Analytic Techniques THE METHOD 3-29. The general rules of event mapping are— e Start with a blank paper or use a piece of stationery with a re-adherable strip of adhesive on the back to make notes on a white board. e = Thinks in terms of key words, phrases, or symbols that represent ideas and words. e@ Put down ideas as they occur, wherever they fit. © Do not judge or hold back. e@ Develop in directions the topics take you—not limited by how you are doing the map. e As you expand the map, try to become more detailed. @ Use arrows or other visual aids to show the links between events in the scenario. 3-30. The following are steps for this technique: e@ Step 1. Put the word or symbol representing the issue or problem to be analyzed in the center of the paper or white board. Take a minute to think about it before continuing. Step 2. Add symbols or words to represent possible actions and outcomes around the central issue or problem. © Step 3. Link the possible actions and outcomes to the central issue or problem. If desired, use colors to indicate the major influence the link represents. For example, use green for economic links, red for opposition groups, or purple for military forces. Colors may also be used to differentiate paths for ease of reference. e@ Step 4. Continue working outward, building the scenario of events into branches and sub- branches for each hypothesis in greater detail. @ Step 5. Use emphasis such as underlining and stars to show importance or level of influence. @ Step 6. Do not allow yourself or the group to get stuck on one scenario. If ideas end, move to another area or another hypothesis. e@ Step 7. When the creativity wanes, stop and take a break. After an hour or so, return and review the map, and make additions and changes as desired. @ Step 8. As an option, add a number on links or decision points in each hypothesis and, on a separate piece of paper, write down the evidence for each number to be collected that would disprove that link or decision being made. Use the lists for each number to develop an integrated collection strategy for the issue or problem. 3-31. The following can assist when using an event map: e == Think fast. Your brain works best in 5 to 7 minute bursts, so capture that explosion of ideas as rapidly as possible. © Keep moving. If ideas slow down, draw empty lines, and watch your brain automatically find ideas to put on them. Stand up and use an easel pad or white board to generate even more energy. © Include distractions. If you are mapping and you suddenly remember you need to pick up your cleaning, put down “cleaning” on the side of the map. Otherwise you will become fixated on the cleaning chore. e@ = = Write on links. Put key words on lines to give context to the link. e = Print words. Print rather than write in script. It is easier to read and remember. Lowercase is more visually distinctive (and easier to remember) than uppercase. EVENT TREES 3-32. An event tree is a graphic depiction of a possible sequence of events, including potential junctures within the events sequence. 18 August 2014 ATP 2-33.4 3-7 Basic Structured Analytic Techniques 18 August 2014 ATP 2-33.4 3-7 THE METHOD 3-29. The general rules of event mapping are—  Start with a blank paper or use a piece of stationery with a re-adherable strip of adhesive on the back to make notes on a white board.  Thinks in terms of key words, phrases, or symbols that represent ideas and words.  Put down ideas as they occur, wherever they fit.  Do not judge or hold back.  Develop in directions the topics take you—not limited by how you are doing the map.  As you expand the map, try to become more detailed.  Use arrows or other visual aids to show the links between events in the scenario. 3-30. The following are steps for this technique:  Step 1. Put the word or symbol representing the issue or problem to be analyzed in the center of the paper or white board. Take a minute to think about it before continuing.  Step 2. Add symbols or words to represent possible actions and outcomes around the central issue or problem.  Step 3. Link the possible actions and outcomes to the central issue or problem. If desired, use colors to indicate the major influence the link represents. For example, use green for economic links, red for opposition groups, or purple for military forces. Colors may also be used to differentiate paths for ease of reference.  Step 4. Continue working outward, building the scenario of events into branches and sub- branches for each hypothesis in greater detail.  Step 5. Use emphasis such as underlining and stars to show importance or level of influence.  Step 6. Do not allow yourself or the group to get stuck on one scenario. If ideas end, move to another area or another hypothesis.  Step 7. When the creativity wanes, stop and take a break. After an hour or so, return and review the map, and make additions and changes as desired.  Step 8. As an option, add a number on links or decision points in each hypothesis and, on a separate piece of paper, write down the evidence for each number to be collected that would disprove that link or decision being made. Use the lists for each number to develop an integrated collection strategy for the issue or problem. 3-31. The following can assist when using an event map:  Think fast. Your brain works best in 5 to 7 minute bursts, so capture that explosion of ideas as rapidly as possible.  Keep moving. If ideas slow down, draw empty lines, and watch your brain automatically find ideas to put on them. Stand up and use an easel pad or white board to generate even more energy.  Include distractions. If you are mapping and you suddenly remember you need to pick up your cleaning, put down “cleaning” on the side of the map. Otherwise you will become fixated on the cleaning chore.  Write on links. Put key words on lines to give context to the link.  Print words. Print rather than write in script. It is easier to read and remember. Lowercase is more visually distinctive (and easier to remember) than uppercase. EVENT TREES 3-32. An event tree is a graphic depiction of a possible sequence of events, including potential junctures within the events sequence.