During which step of troop leading do subordinate leaders start preparing while the leader conducts an estimate of the situation?

Subordinate leaders begin their preparations during the "Begin planning" step of troop leading as the leader conducts an estimate of the situation. This step is crucial because it allows subordinate leaders to start developing their understanding of the task ahead, assessing the resources at their disposal, and formulating their plans concurrently with the overall situational analysis being conducted by the primary leader.

By starting the planning process during this phase, subordinate leaders can ensure they are prepared to execute orders quickly and effectively once they are received. This overlap in activities helps to shorten the overall planning timeline and enhances the unit's readiness and responsiveness to the mission.

The other steps do not involve this concurrent planning process. For example, receiving orders is focused on understanding the mission after the leader has completed their estimate, while conducting reconnaissance involves gathering further information but not necessarily beginning preparations. Issuing orders is the final step, where the plans developed are communicated to the unit for execution. Therefore, "Begin planning" accurately captures the moment when subordinate leaders actively engage in preparation alongside the estimation of the situation.