AI for Humanitarian Operations • Practical Templates • Copy-Paste Prompts
Delta-Only Situation Reports with AI: Non-Repetitive Updates for Security, Access, and Operations
A fast workflow + ready prompts to generate only what changed since your last update—without repeating yesterday’s paragraphs.
In this article you’ll get:
- A simple structure for delta-only SitReps
- A 5-step workflow you can run quickly
- Copy-paste prompts for daily use
- A built-in “do no harm” scan to reduce sensitive-data risk
Most situation reports fail for one reason: they repeat yesterday’s news. In fast-moving contexts, decision-makers don’t need long summaries. They need what changed, why it matters, and what to do next—without re-reading the same background every day.
This guide shows a practical delta-only workflow to produce clean, non-repetitive updates using AI, while keeping data protection and “do no harm” front and center (especially when dealing with sensitive locations, staff movement, or affected communities).
What “delta-only” actually means
A delta-only SitRep includes only new developments since your last update, plus the minimum decision-ready layer:
- Operational impact (access, staffing, travel, program continuity)
- Confidence level (confirmed vs unconfirmed)
- What to watch next (next 12–48 hours)
- Recommended actions (practical and conservative)
Not included: background paragraphs, long history, or repeated context.
The Delta-Only SitRep template (copy-paste)
[Region / Area] – Delta Update
Timestamp: (Local time zone + date)
1) What changed (since last update)
- ✅ Confirmed:
- ⚠️ Unconfirmed / needs verification:
- 🔎 Narrative shift (tone, rhetoric, public messaging):
2) Operational impact
- Access & movement:
- Aviation / routes / checkpoints (if relevant):
- Staffing / remote work guidance:
- Program delivery implications:
3) Risk snapshot (next 24–48h)
- Likely scenarios:
- Triggers to monitor:
- Confidence: High / Medium / Low
4) Recommended actions (practical)
- Immediate:
- Next 24h:
- If X happens, then do Y:
5) Sources used (internal + external)
- External:
- Internal:
- Gaps:
The 5-step workflow (fast + repeatable)
Step 1) Collect inputs (only what you’re allowed to use)
- Approved news links (reputable outlets)
- Security bulletins (if applicable)
- Ops updates (clearly labeled as internal)
- Official aviation notices (if relevant)
Rule: Don’t paste personal data, names, phone numbers, or precise movement plans into AI.
Step 2) Label everything (2 minutes that save you 20)
Before using AI, format raw inputs like this:
[CONFIRMED | Source | Time] … [UNCONFIRMED | Source | Time] … [INTERNAL NOTE | Who | Time] …
Step 3) Redact sensitive details (non-negotiable)
- Remove names (staff/partners/beneficiaries)
- Remove precise locations or addresses
- Remove “who is where” movement details
- Remove specifics that could increase targeting risk
Step 4) Generate the delta-only SitRep
Force the output to be time-bounded, non-repetitive, and impact-focused (use the prompt pack below).
Step 5) Verify and publish (human-in-the-loop)
- Unverified items clearly marked?
- Sensitive info accidentally included?
- Recommendations too strong or speculative?
Copy-paste prompt pack (daily use)
Paste these into ChatGPT (or your approved AI tool). Replace the bracketed parts.
Prompt 1: Delta extractor (from mixed notes)
You are an operations analyst writing a DELTA-ONLY situation update. Task: 1) Extract ONLY developments that are NEW since the previous update time: [PASTE LAST UPDATE TIMESTAMP]. 2) Do NOT repeat background context. 3) Separate items into Confirmed vs Unconfirmed. 4) For each item, add “Operational impact” in one short line. 5) If an item lacks time, mark it “Time unclear”. Input notes: [PASTE REDACTED NOTES HERE] Output format: - ✅ Confirmed (bullets) - ⚠️ Unconfirmed (bullets) - Operational impact summary (3 bullets max) - Confidence (High/Medium/Low) + why (1 sentence)
Prompt 2: Non-repetition enforcer
Rewrite the update to be strictly NON-REPETITIVE. Rules: - Remove any sentence that could have appeared in yesterday’s update. - Keep ONLY changes, impacts, and next-steps. - Maximum 160 words. - Use clear verbs: “resumed / suspended / expanded / restricted / announced / denied”. Draft update: [PASTE YOUR DRAFT]
Prompt 3: Decision-ready recommendations (practical, not dramatic)
Generate operational recommendations that are conservative and actionable. Constraints: - No sensational language. - If evidence is weak, recommend “monitor” instead of “act”. - Provide 3 immediate actions + 2 triggers to monitor. Context (delta-only): [PASTE THE CONFIRMED/UNCONFIRMED BULLETS]
Prompt 4: “Do no harm” red-flag scan
Scan this draft SitRep for “do no harm” risks. Flag anything that could: - reveal identities or precise locations, - expose movement plans, - increase targeting risk, - or share unverified claims as facts. Return: 1) Risk flags (bullets) 2) Suggested redactions (bullets) 3) A safer rewritten version (same meaning, less sensitive) Draft: [PASTE SITREP]
Three rules that make your update trustworthy
- Timebox everything: “Since 18:00 (local), 25 Jan 2026…” beats “recently.”
- Separate fact from assessment: mark what happened vs what it might affect.
- Show confidence: if you can’t verify it, label it unconfirmed and keep it short.
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
Mistake: AI writes a “news article,” not a SitRep.
Fix: enforce “decision-ready, ops impact, max 160–220 words.”
Mistake: Rumors become “facts.”
Fix: label inputs first (confirmed/unconfirmed), then prompt.
Mistake: Sensitive details slip in.
Fix: redact first, then run the red-flag scan prompt.
Mistake: Recommendations are too absolute.
Fix: require conditional language: “If X is confirmed, then Y.”
A ready-to-publish example (generic + safe)
Delta Update – [Area]
Timestamp: 25 Jan 2026, 10:00 (Local)
1) What changed (since last update)
- ✅ Confirmed: Updated movement guidance issued via time-stamped bulletin.
Impact: potential delays for field visits; prioritize remote coordination today. - ✅ Confirmed: Changes appear on commercial flight schedules for specific routes.
Impact: review staff rotations and contingency routing. - ⚠️ Unconfirmed: Reports of localized tension from informal channels.
Impact: monitor; avoid non-essential movement until verified.
2) Operational impact
- Access & movement: short-window unpredictability; essential travel only.
- Staffing: maintain remote work readiness for key teams.
- Program: prepare alternate delivery options for time-critical activities.
3) Risk snapshot (next 24–48h)
- Likely scenarios: intermittent restrictions; rapid shifts after announcements.
- Triggers: official advisories; transport disruptions; verified incidents.
- Confidence: Medium (mixed confirmation levels).
4) Recommended actions
- Immediate: circulate delta summary; pause non-essential movement; confirm route/flight status via official channels.
- Next 24h: update contingency plan; agree decision triggers with ops/security focal points.
- If conditions worsen: shift to remote modalities and defer travel until reassessed.
5) Sources used
- External: official advisories; airline schedules; reputable media.
- Internal: ops notes (redacted).
- Gaps: on-the-ground verification for unconfirmed items.
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