A method employing cognitive amplification that reasons within a comprehensive context suited to making decisions in a time constrained scenario, such as battle planning. Select embodiments meld military science with the military art needed for relevant and timely decision making. In select embodiments, a Battlefield Terrain Reasoning Awareness, Battle Command (BTRA-BC) Battle Engine (BBE) significantly reduces the time a staff requires for battle planning. BBE "cognitively amplifies" the ability of planners to conduct Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) and the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). Consequently, a resultant "human-computer reasoning team" develops and analyzes tactical Courses of Action (COAs) much faster than humans alone and better than computers alone. By exhaustively comparing a multitude of variables that comprise Friendly Courses of Action (FCOAs) and Enemy Courses of Action (ECOAs), embodiments permit a user to expend intellectual energy considering the effect of these variables rather than trying to identify them.