Terrain Analysis

Terrain Analysis Defined The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geographical information on the natural and man-made features of the terrain combined with other relevant factors to predict the effect of terrain on military operations. (FM 1-02 Operation Terms and Graphics)

Terrain Analysis--Relevance Used during the OPORD process Conducted during the METT-TC phase of the Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) Uses the acronym OCOKA to identify and evaluate the effects of terrain and weather on all military operations

Terrain Analysis--OCOKA O bservation and Fields of Fire C over and Concealment O bstacles K ey Terrain A venues of Approach

OCOKA Observation and Fields of Fire Observation is the ability to see the threat either visually or through use of surveillance devices. Fields of Fire are areas that a weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given position.

Check on Learning: Observation & Fields of Fire

OCOKA Cover and Concealment Cover is protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires. Concealment is protection from observation.

Check on Learning: Cover and Concealment

OCOKA Obstacles An obstacle is any obstruction designed to disrupt, turn, fix or block the movement of an opposing force in order to impose additional losses to personnel, time and equipment. Obstacles can be natural or manmade, or a combination of both Obstacles are classified as existing and reinforcing

Purpose/Effects of Obstacles Disrupt—upsets the enemy’s formation, tempo, timetable, and forces him to commit forces prematurely and attack in a piecemeal fashion Fix—prevents the enemy from moving any part of his force from a particular location for a particular period of time Turn—forces the enemy from one avenue of approach or route onto another Block—denies the enemy access to an area or prevents his advance along a direction or avenue of approach

Check on Learning: Obstacles

OCOKA Key Terrain Any locality or area of which the seizure, retention, or control affords a marked advantage to either combatant. Decisive Terrain—Key terrain whose seizure, control, or retention is mandatory for mission success Seize versus secure Key Terrain

Check on Learning: Key Terrain

OCOKA 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 Mobility Corridor - Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed Routes and Infiltration Lanes—more defined course to be traveled, may or may not be along a mobility corridor

Classification of Terrain Unrestricted terrain Restricted terrain Severely restricted terrain

Check on Learning: Classify Terrain

Terrain Analysis Effects of Weather & Light OCOKA Troops Vehicles Equipment

Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

Questions?