1. Terrain Analysis

2. 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)

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. Check on Learning: Observation & Fields of Fire

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

8. Check on Learning: Cover and Concealment

9. 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

10. 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

11. Check on Learning: Obstacles

12. 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

13. Check on Learning: Key Terrain

14. 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

15. Classification of Terrain
Unrestricted terrain
Restricted terrain
Severely restricted terrain

16. Check on Learning: Classify Terrain

17. Terrain Analysis Effects of Weather & Light
OCOKA
Troops
Vehicles
Equipment

18. Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

19. Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

20. Questions?