Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)

What is IPB? “The systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and environment in a specific geographic area.” FM 34-130 This definition is straight from the book. Of interest to note is the “systematic and continuous process.” IPB never stops because we always deal with a fluid situation with unlimited variables. It is not enough to produce all the IPB products and then say, “I’m done.” The work is never done because something is always changing. While the threat is key in IPB, understanding the environment in which one must fight is a must to ensure success….often the climatic conditions can over shadow the enemy force itself….consider the hostile desert conditions which US and Coalition forces had to contend with during the 1991 Gulf War… o the tremendous requirements for water to prevent heat casualties, o the impact on equipment maintenance and operations, o sand too fine to be contained in normal sand bags, o and also the cultural mores of the host nation government, to name a few. Understanding the environment of a certain geographic area and its impact on both friendly and enemy operations is equally important as understanding the enemy. NOTE: For discussion, consider whether IPB is a military art or science. Or, compare the definition of IPB with Sun Tzu’s “Know the enemy and you need not fear a hundred battles.” Has something changed?

Why do we conduct IPB? Understand the battlefield Reveal enemy capabilities and vulnerabilities Predict enemy courses of action Plan mission execution Not just enemy!

Who Conducts IPB? Everyone conducts some form of IPB Intelligence personnel prepare detailed IPB products tailored to functional areas Engineers are the terrain experts; use the Terrain Team (Division level & above) All LRS team members need to understand and apply IPB during the mission planning process

put together the best possible plan Objective of IPB To help the LRS team put together the best possible plan in the time available.

IPB 4-Step Process 1 2 3 4 DEFINE THE BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT DESCRIBE THE BATTLEFIELD’S EFFECTS IPB DETERMINE THREAT COAs EVALUATE THE THREAT 3 4 4-Step Process

1 DEFINE THE BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT IPB Step 1

Define the Battlefield Environment Area of Interest (AI) Identify significant characteristics of the environment Identify the limits of the AO Establish limits of the AI Evaluate databases and identify intelligence gaps Collect intel required to conduct remainder of IPB PL BAT PL CAT XX XXX XXX Area of Operations (AO) XXX

Identify Significant Characteristics Geography Population Political or socioeconomic Infrastructures Rules of Engagement OPFOR Capabilities

Not always a linear battlefield! Area of Operations Assigned by higher Defined by boundaries Of sufficient size to allow completion of mission Where the commander is given authority and responsibility to conduct military operations Not always a linear battlefield! X II Area of Operations

Area of Interest Geographic area from which information and intelligence are required to execute successful operations Includes any threat forces or characteristics of the battlefield environment that will significantly influence accomplishment of the team’s mission. Area of Interest Area of Operations

Evaluate Existing Databases and Identify Intelligence Gaps Mission Planning folder Maps Imagery Climatology Future Weather Forecast Historical Data Company OPORD S2/G2/J2/C2 Intelligence database

Intelligence Gap Information that is critical to the accomplishment of the mission, but not available for use at the present time. Starts initial list of : RFIs RIIs Intelligence Requirement

Questions???

Check on Learning 1. What are the four steps of IPB? 2. What is an area of interest? 3. What is an area of operations? 4. What is Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield?

IPB Step 2 1 2 DEFINE THE BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT DESCRIBE THE BATTLEFIELD’S EFFECTS IPB Step 2

Step Two: Describe the Battlefields Effects Terrain Analysis Analyze the Military Aspects of Terrain Classify Terrain Weather Analysis Military Aspects of Weather Evaluate the Weather Effects on Military Operations Enemy and Friendly

Describe the Battlefield’s Effects Analyze the battlefield environment Terrain analysis Weather analysis Analysis of other characteristics Effects on threat and friendly capabilities and COAs

Military Aspects of Terrain Evaluate Terrain’s Effects Terrain Analysis Map Recon Recon AO / AOI Military Aspects of Terrain Evaluate Terrain’s Effects

Military Aspects of Terrain O bstacles A venues of Approach K ey Terrain O bservation and Fields of Fire C over and Concealment

Obstacles Any natural or manmade terrain features that stop, impede, or divert military movement (both ground & air). Examples: buildings, steep slopes, rivers, lakes, streams, swamps, forests, deserts, jungles, cities, minefields, trenches, wire obstacles, etc.

Obstacles (cont.) Factors to consider are: Vegetation (tree spacing, trunk diameter) Surface drainage (width, depth, velocity, slope & height) Surface materials (soils type & conditions that affect mobility) Surface configuration (slopes that affect mobility) Transportation systems (bridges, slopes, & road width) Effects of actual or projected weather Integrating the above factors into a single product = Combined Obstacle Overlay (COO)

Graphic Representations Combined Obstacles Overlay (COO) - Vegetation - Surface Drainage - Obstacles - Lines of Communication (LOCs) - Weather Effects Overlay

Combined Obstacle Overlay Vegetation Surface Drainage Other Obstacles COMBINED OBSTACLES

Terrain Classification Unrestricted Restricted Severely Restricted

Unrestricted Terrain Terrain free of any restriction to movement Nothing needs to be done to enhance mobility Allows wide maneuver by forces Unlimited travel supported by developed road networks

Restricted Terrain Hinders movement to some degree Difficulty moving in combat formations Difficulty transitioning from one formation to another Moderate to steep slopes/ poorly developed road systems

Severely Restricted Terrain Severely slows movement in combat formations Requires Engineer assets or tactical deviation Steep slopes / densely spaced objects Little or no road support

Terrain Classifications Are NOT absolute Reflects only its relative impact on force mobility Remember lessons from history: Hannibal crossing the Alps German attack through the Ardennes U.S. scaling the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc

Avenues of Approach An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path. Determination should consider: Access to key terrain & adjacent avenues Degree of canalization & ease of movement Use of concealment & cover Use of observation & fields of fire Sustainability Directness to the objective Developed by identifying, categorizing, & grouping Mobility Corridors (normally, two echelons below your element).

Mobility Corridors Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain constrictions. Relatively free of obstacles Allows military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed “Building blocks” for determining Avenues of Approach I BN MC CO MC Threat or Friendly

Mobility Corridor Minimum Widths (Both Friendly & Threat) Division 6 km Bde / Regt 3 km Battalion 1.5 km Company 0.5 km (From FM 34-130)

Avenue of Approach O B J LEGEND: CO MC BN MC Severely Restricted

Key Terrain K Any locality or area where the seizure, or retention of which, affords a marked advantage to either combatant. Offensive: Forward of friendly positions Ensures required threat destruction / evacuation Threat obstacles / Fields of fire Defensive: Good observation / Fields of fire over avenues of approach Cover obstacles by fire Road junctions / Lines of communication

Key Terrain vs Decisive Terrain Any locality or area, where the seizure or retention of which, affords a marked advantage to either combatant. Decisive Terrain Key terrain that has an extraordinary impact on the mission; Relatively rare; will not be present in every situation; Successful accomplishment of the mission (Offense or Defense) depends on seizing or retaining it; Commander designates to communicate its importance.

Observation & Fields of Fire Observation - the ability to see the threat either visually or through the use of surveillance. Fields of Fire - the area that a weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given position. Evaluation allows you to identify: potential engagement areas, “fire sacks”, or “kill zones” defensible terrain & specific system or equipment positions where maneuvering forces are most vulnerable to observation & fire

Observation & Fields of Fire (cont.) Useful tools: LOS analysis (FALCON VIEW) Range fans (Individual / Unit) Shaded relief or elevation tinting (Terrain Team)

Cover & Concealment Concealment - protection from observation. Cover - protection from the effects of direct & indirect fires. Evaluation of Cover & Concealment aids in identifying: defensible terrain & potential battle positions approach routes potential assembly & dispersal areas

Cover & Concealment (cont.) Methods for determining: Map recon (Individual / Unit) Ground or Air recon (Unit) Satellite photos (Terrain Team or S2) Area studies (Terrain Team or S2) LOS analysis (FALCON VIEW)

Evaluate Terrain’s Effects on Military Operations Engagement Areas / Ambush Sites Battle Positions Immediate / Subsequent Objectives Assembly / Dispersal Areas OPs / LZs / DZs / FARPs EA KILL l OBJ TAA DZ ROCK

Modified Combined Obstacle Overlay (MCOO) A graphic product used to reflect the results of terrain analysis and the battlefield’s effects on military operations. Begin with the Combined Obstacle Overlay and consider adding: Cross-country mobility classifications (Unrestricted, Restricted, & Severely Restricted) Avenues of approach & mobility corridors Countermobility obstacle systems Defensible terrain Engagement areas Key terrain

MCOO O B J K K LEGEND: K EA DOG EA CAT EA CAT Key Terrain Severely Restricted Engagement Area Minefield Restricted

NOTE: Ensure all graphics & symbols are listed in the Legend. MCOO Symbols Unrestricted Terrain Restricted Terrain Severely Restricted Terrain Built-up Areas Battle Position Mobility Corridors (Red) Air Avenues of Approach (Red) Ground Avenues of Approach (Red) K EA Rivers & Lakes (Blue) Engagement Area (Orange) Key Terrain (Purple) Railroad Tracks NOTE: Ensure all graphics & symbols are listed in the Legend.

Weather Analysis Use USAF Weather Teams at Division, Corps, & EAC Analyzes weather’s direct effects on terrain Integrates climatic, forecast, & current weather into terrain analysis Provides detailed info on weather’s effects on unit equipment If no Team at your level, request support from Higher Headquarters Weather Analysis and Terrain Analysis are inseparable Two Steps to weather analysis: Analyze the military aspects of weather Evaluate the weather’s effects on military operations

Military Aspects of Weather Visibility Wind Precipitation Cloud Cover Temperature & Humidity

Visibility Reduced Visibility: Provides concealment Favors the Offense Impedes R & S Hinders target acquisition

Light Data The amount of Available Light is a major factor in evaluating Visibility. Date BMNT SR SS EENT MR MS %Illum 10 0600 0656 1719 2209 2209 1058 79 11 0602 0658 1720 2210 2219 1108 71

Wind Strong Wind: Reduces visibility Limits airborne and aviation ops Hinders communications Impacts smoke and chemical ops

Precipitation Heavy Rain or Snow can impact on: Trafficability Visibility Electro-optical Systems

Cloud Cover Degrades Target Acquisition Limits Aviation Ops Limits Illumination Limits Solar Heating Hinders IR-guided Weapon Systems

Temperature & Humidity Extremes of Temperature and Humidity: Reduce personnel and equipment capabilities Reduce aircraft payloads Create logisitical problems

Weather’s Effects on Military Operations Evaluate the weather’s effects on: Personnel Equipment Military Operations Revise weather effects on Terrain Analysis as the weather changes Focus on the effects of the weather rather than the weather itself Weather has both direct and indirect effects on military operations. Assessing the impact of weather’s effects on military operations is a continual requirement as the weather is constantly changing. It is far more important to understand the Effects of the WX on military operations rather than the WX itself! NOTE: It may be difficult to graphically show the impacts of weather on terrain and military operations so use of a matrix may be the better solution.

Analysis of “Other Characteristics” of the Battlefield Aspects of battlefield environment not considered in terrain and weather analysis Consider each characteristic and then its impact on military operations (just as before) Examples: Logistics infrastructure Population demographics Economics Politics & Government

Questions???

Check on Learning 1. What are military aspects of terrain? 2. What is restrictive terrain? 3. What are the military aspects of weather? 4. What is the difference between a COO and a MCOO?

Practical Exercise #1 Action: Construct a COO and MCOO. Condition: Given a classroom environment, a Fort Benning 1:50,000 map, protractor, Intelligence Handout and permanent markers. Standard: Complete in 60 minutes and brief to the class upon completion.

IPB Step 3 1 2 3 DEFINE THE BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT DESCRIBE THE BATTLEFIELD’S EFFECTS IPB EVALUATE THE THREAT 3 Step 3

Evaluate the Threat How? Update or Create Threat Models Identify Threat Capabilities

Threat Models Consist of: Doctrinal Templates Description of preferred Tactics and Options Identification of High Value Targets Should include: Standard graphic control measures Description of typical tasks to subordinates Quality of training on each task Employment considerations Contingencies, sequels, failure options, & wildcard variations Strengths & weaknesses Doctrinal templates are scaled graphic depictions of threat normal deployments for a standard operation unconstrained by the effects of the battlefield environment. The model Describes the Tactics of the major units portrayed on the template with typical timelines and phases of the operation and the activities of the different BOS. The BOS should be described in sufficient detail to allow later Identification of HVTs and HPTs. The model will also Describe the Options available to the threat should the operation fail (branches) or subsequent operations if it succeeds (sequels). A correctly constructed Threat Model should include those things listed on the slide.

HVTs vs. HPTs High-Value Target Assets the Threat Commander requires for the successful completion of a specific course of action. High-Payoff Target A target whose loss to the threat will contribute to the success of the friendly course of action.

High-Payoff Target List High-Value Target List High-Payoff Target List HVTs vs. HPTs High-Payoff Target List C2 Artillery EA NORTH OBJ High-Value Target List C2 Artillery Bridging Assets EA SOUTH High-Payoff Target List C2 Artillery Bridging Assets

Questions???

Check on Learning 1. What is a doctrinal template? 2. Where are OPFOR TTPs found? 3. What is a high value target?

IPB Step 4 1 2 3 4 DEFINE THE BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT DESCRIBE THE BATTLEFIELD’S EFFECTS IPB DETERMINE THREAT COAs EVALUATE THE THREAT 3 4 Step 4

Determine Threat Courses of Action HOW? Identify the Threat’s likely Objectives and Desired End State Identify the full set of COAs available to the Threat Evaluate and Prioritize each COA Develop each COA in the amount of detail time allows Identify initial collection requirements OBJs & Desired End State of: OBJs & Desired End State of: X XX looks at ARMY DIV BDE BN looks at DIV BDE BN CO

Identify the Full Set of COAs available to the Threat ? CONSIDER ? COAs the Threat believes appropriate to the current situation COAs that could significantly influence your mission COAs indicated by recent activities and events

Does the COA Meet the Criteria? Suitability Feasibility COA Criteria Will it accomplish the objective? Can he do it? Acceptability Uniqueness Are the risks and resources worth it? Is it significantly different? NOTE: Each COA must be consistent with Threat doctrine!

Evaluate & Prioritize each COA MEETS COA CRITERIA? DECEPTION OPERATION? STRENGTHS? WEAKNESSES? THREAT’s RECENT ACTIVITY? COA THAT MINIMIZES RISK? DECISIVE POINTS? FITS BEST TO BATTLEFIELD ENVIRONMENT? COA OFFERS GREATEST ADVANTAGES?

Center for Army Tactics Each COA Must Answer: WHAT? WHEN? WHERE? HOW? WHY? Center for Army Tactics

Situation Template ENEMY COAs Enemy SOP for Fighting (Threat Model) FIRE SAC Battlefield Environment’s Effects (MCOO) ENEMY COAs FIRE SAC

SITEMP COA Descriptions Earliest Time of Execution Time Phase Lines Likely Threat Commander’s Decisions H+1 H+2 H+3 H+4

Time Phase Lines (TPLs) Based on threat doctrinal rates of movement Adjusted for terrain, weather, & actual combat movement Assist in tracking the threat and directing collection assets H+1 H+2 H+3 H+4

Event Template EVENT TEMPLATE Sitemp 1 Sitemp 2 Consolidated Sitemp 2 1 & 2 1 2 2 NAI 3 NAI 1 NAI 2 EVENT TEMPLATE NAI 4

Practical Exercise #2 SITTEMP Action: Construct and brief a situation template course of action. Condition: Given a classroom environment, Fort Benning 1:50,000 map, protractor, Intelligence Handout and permanent markers. Standard: Construct a standard enemy SITTEMP in 60 minutes.

Questions???

Review Step 1 – Define the Battlefield Environment Step 2 - Describe the Battlefield Effects Step 3 - Evaluate the Threat Step 4 - Determine Threat Course of Action

BOTTOM LINE IPB helps the TL and the rest of the LRS team put together the best possible plan in the time available.