How do commanders ascertain their units' Mission Essential Task Lists (METLs)?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of examining war and external directives as a key method for commanders to ascertain their units' Mission Essential Task Lists (METLs). Commanders rely on these directives to understand the strategic objectives and operational requirements necessary for readiness and effectiveness in their assigned missions. War and external directives provide a framework that includes the overarching strategic goals, policies, and specific tasks that must be prioritized for training and operational readiness.

By focusing on external directives, commanders can align their METLs with the broader mission objectives established by higher echelons, ensuring that their units are prepared for the types of operations that are most likely to be encountered in real-world scenarios. This alignment is crucial for effective training and resource allocation, as it allows units to concentrate on the skills and tasks that will directly contribute to mission success.

Additional methods, such as informal discussions, internal observations, or feedback from subordinates, can complement this process. However, they do not provide the comprehensive strategic context that examining war and external directives offers, which is essential for accurately determining the priorities and essential tasks for the unit. These external sources ensure that the unit's objectives align with national defense requirements and operational readiness expectations.