IPB

1. IPB

2. IPB Definition IPB is the process which integrates enemy doctrine with weather and terrain to provide a basis for determining and evaluating enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action (COA). It also serves as the planning basis for the formulation of the unit's concept of operations. IPB is the process which integrates enemy doctrine with weather and terrain to provide a basis for determining and evaluating enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable courses of action (COA). It also serves as the planning basis for the formulation of the unit's concept of operations.

3. IPB Steps FOUR IPB STEPS IPB consists of four steps that are performed each time you conduct IPB: Define the battlefield environment; Describe the battlefield effect; Evaluate the threat; and Determine threat course of action. FOUR IPB STEPS IPB consists of four steps that are performed each time you conduct IPB: Define the battlefield environment; Describe the battlefield effect; Evaluate the threat; and Determine threat course of action.

4. Define the Battlefield Environment It identifies environmental factors that may influence available COAs or the commander's decisions. These six elements are defined on the next slide.It identifies environmental factors that may influence available COAs or the commander's decisions. These six elements are defined on the next slide.

5. Elements of Battlefield Environment 6 Elements of the battlefield environment: -Identify significant characteristics of the environment that may affect friendly and enemy COAs and decision. -identify the limits of the command's AO and battle space. -Establish the limits of the AI. -Identify the amount of detail required within the time available for IPB. -Evaluate existing data base and identify intelligence gaps to initiate action to collect the intelligence required. -Collect the required intelligence and material to conduct the IPB. 6 Elements of the battlefield environment: -Identify significant characteristics of the environment that may affect friendly and enemy COAs and decision. -identify the limits of the command's AO and battle space. -Establish the limits of the AI. -Identify the amount of detail required within the time available for IPB. -Evaluate existing data base and identify intelligence gaps to initiate action to collect the intelligence required. -Collect the required intelligence and material to conduct the IPB.

9. Describe the Battlefield Effects Describe the battlefield's effects It analyzes the battlefield environment i.e.. terrain, weather and other battlefield characteristics and describes the battlefield's effects on threat and friendly capabilities and COAs. Describe the battlefield's effects It analyzes the battlefield environment i.e.. terrain, weather and other battlefield characteristics and describes the battlefield's effects on threat and friendly capabilities and COAs.

11. Observation and Fields of Fire Observation involves the influence of terrain on reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities. Fields of fire involve the effects of terrain on weapons effectiveness.

12. Cover and Concealment Concealment is protection from air and ground observation. Cover is protection from the effects of fire. (IPB determines the concealment and cover offered to both friendly and enemy forces from both ground and air perspectives.

13. Obstacles Obstacles are natural and man made terrain features that stop, impede, or divert military movement. Terrain analysis attempts to identify where obstacles to ground and air movement are and what effects removing, overcoming, or bypassing these obstacles will have on overall operations.

14. Key Terrain Key terrain is any feature or area, of which the seizure, or control of, offers a marked tactical advantage. eg bridges, fording sites, choke points, road junctions. Mission accomplishment normally depends on the seizure or control of decisive terrain.

15. Air and Ground Avenues of Approach These are routes by which a force may reach key terrain or an objective. Air and ground mobility corridors are subsets of air and ground avenues of approach. Mobility corridors are areas within the avenues of approach which permit movement and maneuver.

16. Terrain Analysis Unrestricted Terrain Restricted Terrain Severely Restricted Terrain

17. Unrestricted Terrain Unrestricted terrain Terrain free of any restrictions to movement. There is no need to enhance mobility. EX: Wide open and flat terrain. This unrestricted terrain is shown as unmarked on an overlay during the development of the COO. Unrestricted terrain Terrain free of any restrictions to movement. There is no need to enhance mobility. EX: Wide open and flat terrain. This unrestricted terrain is shown as unmarked on an overlay during the development of the COO.

18. Restricted Terrain Restricted terrain Terrain hinders movement to some degree. Little effort is needed to improve mobility but the unit using this terrain will be restricted doctrinally. EX: Moderate to steep slopes, swamps and rugged terrain are example of restricted terrain. Restricted terrain is depicted on the overlay by diagonal green lines. Restricted terrain Terrain hinders movement to some degree. Little effort is needed to improve mobility but the unit using this terrain will be restricted doctrinally. EX: Moderate to steep slopes, swamps and rugged terrain are example of restricted terrain. Restricted terrain is depicted on the overlay by diagonal green lines.

19. Severely Restricted Terrain Severely restricted terrain Terrain severely hinders or slows movement of combat formations unless some effort is made to improve mobility. This could be done by using assets not belonging to the formation or by deviating from doctrinal tactics. EX: Terrain densely forested with no road network, minefields, rivers, etc... Severely restricted terrain is depicted on the overlay by cross-hatched diagonal green lines. NOTE: It doesn't mean movement in this sector is impossible but it is impractical. Severely restricted terrain Terrain severely hinders or slows movement of combat formations unless some effort is made to improve mobility. This could be done by using assets not belonging to the formation or by deviating from doctrinal tactics. EX: Terrain densely forested with no road network, minefields, rivers, etc... Severely restricted terrain is depicted on the overlay by cross-hatched diagonal green lines. NOTE: It doesn't mean movement in this sector is impossible but it is impractical.

20. Modified Combined Obstacles Overlay (MCOO) Modified Combined Obstacles Overlay (MCOO) The MCOO is the basic product used to disseminate the results of terrain analysis of the AO, and in graphic products that will aid the staff to complete their own estimate. To construct the MCOO start with the COO and add cross-country mobility classifications, avenues of approaches and mobility corridors, counter-mobility obstacle systems, defensible terrain, engagement area and Key terrain. The MCOO with the Decision Support Template (DST) is prepared at all echelons (down to Battalion). The MCOO will contain at a minimum registration marks, classification, titling data and a legend. Modified Combined Obstacles Overlay (MCOO) The MCOO is the basic product used to disseminate the results of terrain analysis of the AO, and in graphic products that will aid the staff to complete their own estimate. To construct the MCOO start with the COO and add cross-country mobility classifications, avenues of approaches and mobility corridors, counter-mobility obstacle systems, defensible terrain, engagement area and Key terrain. The MCOO with the Decision Support Template (DST) is prepared at all echelons (down to Battalion). The MCOO will contain at a minimum registration marks, classification, titling data and a legend.

23. Key Terrain Key Terrain Key terrain is usually designated by a circle with a "K" inside. The symbol is shown in an obvious color other than yellow and red. Purple is recommended as the color stands out from the other colors normally used in the MCOO and is easy to distinguish under low light or blackout lights. Key Terrain Key terrain is usually designated by a circle with a "K" inside. The symbol is shown in an obvious color other than yellow and red. Purple is recommended as the color stands out from the other colors normally used in the MCOO and is easy to distinguish under low light or blackout lights.

24. Obstacles Obstacles Major (man-made/cultural) obstacles such as road and rail roads and embankments, power lines, and overpasses are depicted on the MCOO in black. Obstacles Major (man-made/cultural) obstacles such as road and rail roads and embankments, power lines, and overpasses are depicted on the MCOO in black.

25. Avenues of Approach Avenues of Approach Enemy avenues of approach are indicated in red on the MCOO. Friendly avenues of approach are indicated in blue. Avenues of approach indicate the size of the enemy force they will support. They are based on doctrinal frontages, are shown from at least the FLOT to the final objective, and are prioritized to indicate the most likely avenue. NOTE. As they show the general area through which a force can move, the boundaries of avenues of approach and axes of advance may cross Severely Restricted terrain. Avenues of Approach Enemy avenues of approach are indicated in red on the MCOO. Friendly avenues of approach are indicated in blue. Avenues of approach indicate the size of the enemy force they will support. They are based on doctrinal frontages, are shown from at least the FLOT to the final objective, and are prioritized to indicate the most likely avenue. NOTE. As they show the general area through which a force can move, the boundaries of avenues of approach and axes of advance may cross Severely Restricted terrain.

27. Objectives Friendly or Enemy Objectives Friendly or enemy objectives are shown on the MCOO in either blue or red. They may be shown either as area objectives or limits of advance. Friendly or Enemy Objectives Friendly or enemy objectives are shown on the MCOO in either blue or red. They may be shown either as area objectives or limits of advance.

28. Weather Analysis Weather Analysis The weather has a significant impact on both friendly and enemy operations. It affects each force's ability to move, shoot, and communicate. Weather and terrain analyses are inseparable. They are integrated by the commander to determine their effect on tactical operations and potential maneuver areas. Weather Analysis The weather has a significant impact on both friendly and enemy operations. It affects each force's ability to move, shoot, and communicate. Weather and terrain analyses are inseparable. They are integrated by the commander to determine their effect on tactical operations and potential maneuver areas.

29. Military Aspects of Weather Analysis Military Aspects of Weather Analysis There are 5 military aspects of weather which are emphasized during weather analysis: Visibility; wind; precipitation; cloud cover; and temperature and humidity. NOTE: Weather Analysis is mostly used at Corps and above. This is just an overview of the element the Weather Team will be considering as part of the planning process. Visibility: Low visibility (less than 3 KM) is beneficial to offensive and retrograde operations and detrimental to defensive operations. Low visibility limits the employment of aircraft, aerial sensors, and airborne forces, SOF relies heavily on reduced visibility for insertion operations Wind Speed and Direction: Wind normally favors the upwind force by blowing dust, smoke, sand, rain or snow on personnel and equipment of the downwind force. It also affects the employment of NBC and conventional weapons. Strong winds limit airborne operations and hinder aviation (especially RW) operations. Military Aspects of Weather Analysis There are 5 military aspects of weather which are emphasized during weather analysis: Visibility; wind; precipitation; cloud cover; and temperature and humidity. NOTE: Weather Analysis is mostly used at Corps and above. This is just an overview of the element the Weather Team will be considering as part of the planning process. Visibility: Low visibility (less than 3 KM) is beneficial to offensive and retrograde operations and detrimental to defensive operations. Low visibility limits the employment of aircraft, aerial sensors, and airborne forces, SOF relies heavily on reduced visibility for insertion operations Wind Speed and Direction: Wind normally favors the upwind force by blowing dust, smoke, sand, rain or snow on personnel and equipment of the downwind force. It also affects the employment of NBC and conventional weapons. Strong winds limit airborne operations and hinder aviation (especially RW) operations.

30. Evaluate the Threat Evaluate the threat This step will update or create threat models that convert threat doctrine or patterns of operation in graphics (doctrinal template). It also describes in words the threat's tactics and options and identify the High Value Targets. It will also identify threat capabilities. Evaluate the threat This step will update or create threat models that convert threat doctrine or patterns of operation in graphics (doctrinal template). It also describes in words the threat's tactics and options and identify the High Value Targets. It will also identify threat capabilities.

31. Doctrinal Template Doctrinal Templates Doctrinal templates illustrate the deployment pattern and disposition preferred by the threat's normal tactics when not constrained by the effects of the battlefield environment. Example on page 3-69 to 3-73. Doctrinal Templates Doctrinal templates illustrate the deployment pattern and disposition preferred by the threat's normal tactics when not constrained by the effects of the battlefield environment. Example on page 3-69 to 3-73.

32. EXAMPLE OF A DOCTRINAL TEMPLATE A division sector is 20-30 km wide and 15 - 20 km deep. normally, its defenses are in two echelons and has a reserve. The primary mission of the 1st echelon is to repulse attempted enemy penetrations, inflict heavy losses, and canalize the enemy into the fire sac. The second echelons mission is to stop and destroy the enemy’s penetration of the 1st echelons defensive perimeter and replace and/or reinforce 1st echelon forces as necessary. There are normally at least two regiments in the first echelon. Tank regiments are normally employed in the second echelon. Reserve forces are positioned near the 2nd echelon. A division sector is 20-30 km wide and 15 - 20 km deep. normally, its defenses are in two echelons and has a reserve. The primary mission of the 1st echelon is to repulse attempted enemy penetrations, inflict heavy losses, and canalize the enemy into the fire sac. The second echelons mission is to stop and destroy the enemy’s penetration of the 1st echelons defensive perimeter and replace and/or reinforce 1st echelon forces as necessary. There are normally at least two regiments in the first echelon. Tank regiments are normally employed in the second echelon. Reserve forces are positioned near the 2nd echelon.

33. High Value Target (HVT) High Value Targets Assets that the commander requires for the successful completion of the mission are depicted and described on the templates as HVTs. HVTs usually, but not always, fall under the non-maneuver battlefield operating system (BOS). An HVT is an element that is critical to the operation's success. High Value Targets Assets that the commander requires for the successful completion of the mission are depicted and described on the templates as HVTs. HVTs usually, but not always, fall under the non-maneuver battlefield operating system (BOS). An HVT is an element that is critical to the operation's success.

34. Categories of HVT The 13 categories of HVT There are usually 13 categories of HVTs: they are C3, FS, Maneuver, ADA, Engr, RISTA, NBC, REC or EW, Bulk fuels, Ammunition points, Maint units, lift, and LOCs. The 13 categories of HVT There are usually 13 categories of HVTs: they are C3, FS, Maneuver, ADA, Engr, RISTA, NBC, REC or EW, Bulk fuels, Ammunition points, Maint units, lift, and LOCs.

35. Identify Threat Capabilities Identify Threat Capabilities They are the broad COAs and supporting operations taken by the threat to influence the accomplishment of the friendly mission. They take the form of statements. EX: The enemy can establish a prepared defense by 14 May; the threat can conduct up to three separate smuggling operations simultaneously, etc... There are four tactical COAs for conventional operations: Attack; defend; reinforce; and conduct retrograde operations. Each of those can be further sub-divided, i.e. an attack can be an infiltration or envelopment. Identify Threat Capabilities They are the broad COAs and supporting operations taken by the threat to influence the accomplishment of the friendly mission. They take the form of statements. EX: The enemy can establish a prepared defense by 14 May; the threat can conduct up to three separate smuggling operations simultaneously, etc... There are four tactical COAs for conventional operations: Attack; defend; reinforce; and conduct retrograde operations. Each of those can be further sub-divided, i.e. an attack can be an infiltration or envelopment.

36. Determine Threat COA Determine threat COA step It is the identification and development of likely threat COAs that will influence accomplishment of the friendly mission. Determine threat COA step It is the identification and development of likely threat COAs that will influence accomplishment of the friendly mission.

37. Identify Threat COAs Identify the full set of COAs available to the threat You must consider at least: 1. The COAs the threat's doctrine believes appropriate to the current situation and the likely objectives you have identified. 2. The COAs which could significantly influence your command's mission, even if the threat's doctrine considers them infeasible under current conditions. 3. The COAs indicated by recent activities and events. Identify the full set of COAs available to the threat You must consider at least: 1. The COAs the threat's doctrine believes appropriate to the current situation and the likely objectives you have identified. 2. The COAs which could significantly influence your command's mission, even if the threat's doctrine considers them infeasible under current conditions. 3. The COAs indicated by recent activities and events.

38. Criteria for COAs Criteria for COAs Each threat COA you identify should meet five criteria: 1. Suitability: Will it accomplish the threat's objective. 2. Feasibility: Time/space and resources available to execute the mission. 3. Acceptability: Will threat forces accept the risk involved with the COA. 4. Uniqueness: Each threat COA must be significantly different from each other. Otherwise it is a variation. 5. Consistency with doctrine: Each COA must be consistent with threat's doctrine. Criteria for COAs Each threat COA you identify should meet five criteria: 1. Suitability: Will it accomplish the threat's objective. 2. Feasibility: Time/space and resources available to execute the mission. 3. Acceptability: Will threat forces accept the risk involved with the COA. 4. Uniqueness: Each threat COA must be significantly different from each other. Otherwise it is a variation. 5. Consistency with doctrine: Each COA must be consistent with threat's doctrine.

39. Prioritize Each COA Prioritize each COA To prioritize each COA: 1. Analyze each COA to identify its strength and weaknesses, centers of gravity, and decisive points. 2. Evaluate how well each COA meets the criteria of suitability, feasibility, acceptability, and consistency with doctrine. 3. Compare the COA to each other to determine if one is more likely to be preferred. 4. Consider the possibility that threat may select the second or third best COA to achieve surprise. 5. Analyze the threat's recent activity to determine if there are indications that one COA is already being adopted. Prioritize each COA To prioritize each COA: 1. Analyze each COA to identify its strength and weaknesses, centers of gravity, and decisive points. 2. Evaluate how well each COA meets the criteria of suitability, feasibility, acceptability, and consistency with doctrine. 3. Compare the COA to each other to determine if one is more likely to be preferred. 4. Consider the possibility that threat may select the second or third best COA to achieve surprise. 5. Analyze the threat's recent activity to determine if there are indications that one COA is already being adopted.

40. COA: Three Parts COA three parts Each developed COA has three parts: 1. Situational template 2. Description of the COA, and 3. List of HVT. COA three parts Each developed COA has three parts: 1. Situational template 2. Description of the COA, and 3. List of HVT.

41. Situational Templates Situational Templates The situational template shows graphically how the enemy might deviate from doctrinal dispositions or adjust frontages, depths, or echelon to account for battlefield environment's effects. Situation templates focus on operations in specific mobility corridors within avenues of approach. Situational Templates The situational template shows graphically how the enemy might deviate from doctrinal dispositions or adjust frontages, depths, or echelon to account for battlefield environment's effects. Situation templates focus on operations in specific mobility corridors within avenues of approach.

42. Time Phase Lines Time Phase Line (TPL) Time phase lines are developed to evaluate time and space factors using threat movement. They are drawn on the situational template to depict the expected progress of attacking forces, the movement of reserve/counterattacking forces, and forces in the deep and rear battle area. Time Phase Line (TPL) Time phase lines are developed to evaluate time and space factors using threat movement. They are drawn on the situational template to depict the expected progress of attacking forces, the movement of reserve/counterattacking forces, and forces in the deep and rear battle area.

43. Describe the COA Describe the COA The COA description is used to support staff wargaming and to develop the event template. It can range from a narrative description to a detailed synchronization matrix. This is where each event is tied to a Time Phase Line, and decisions required are recorded for combat function. You should also identify HVTs during this stage. Describe the COA The COA description is used to support staff wargaming and to develop the event template. It can range from a narrative description to a detailed synchronization matrix. This is where each event is tied to a Time Phase Line, and decisions required are recorded for combat function. You should also identify HVTs during this stage.

44. Named Area of Interest (NAI) and indicator Named Area of Interest and Indicator An NAI is a point, route or area where you expect key events to occur. An indicator are activities which reveal the selected COA. Named Area of Interest and Indicator An NAI is a point, route or area where you expect key events to occur. An indicator are activities which reveal the selected COA.

45. NAI GRAPHICS

46. Event Template Event Template The event template is a guide for collection and reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S). It depicts where and when to collect the information that will indicate which COA the threat has adopted. The NAI selected for a COA is marked on the event template. Example page 2-50 and 3-33 Event Template The event template is a guide for collection and reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S). It depicts where and when to collect the information that will indicate which COA the threat has adopted. The NAI selected for a COA is marked on the event template. Example page 2-50 and 3-33

47. EXAMPLE OF EVENT TEMPLATE

48. Event Matrix Event Matrix The event matrix supports the event template by providing details on the type of activity expected in each NAI, the times the NAI is expected to be active, and its relationship to other events on the battlefield. Its primary use is for intelligence collection. Event Matrix The event matrix supports the event template by providing details on the type of activity expected in each NAI, the times the NAI is expected to be active, and its relationship to other events on the battlefield. Its primary use is for intelligence collection.

49. EXAMPLE OF EVENT MATRIX

50. Decision Support Template (DST) Decision Support Templating Event templating provides the basis for decision support templating (DST). The DST is essentially a combined intelligence estimate and operations estimate in a graphic form. It relates the detail of the event template to decision points that are significant to the commander. The DST identifies critical battlefield events, and activities which require tactical decisions by time and location. The DST does not dictate decisions to the commander, but indicates points where a decision may be required. Decision Support Templating Event templating provides the basis for decision support templating (DST). The DST is essentially a combined intelligence estimate and operations estimate in a graphic form. It relates the detail of the event template to decision points that are significant to the commander. The DST identifies critical battlefield events, and activities which require tactical decisions by time and location. The DST does not dictate decisions to the commander, but indicates points where a decision may be required.

51. Target Area of Interest (TAI) Target Areas of Interest Target areas of interest are developed during the DST. They are points or areas, usually along an avenue of approach or mobility corridor, where the interdiction of an enemy force by fire, maneuver, or jamming will reduce or deprive that force of a particular capability or course of action. TAIs are normally areas which were previously identified as NAIs. EX of TAI: bridges, road junctions, choke points, DZs and LZs, FARPs and RARPs. Target Areas of Interest Target areas of interest are developed during the DST. They are points or areas, usually along an avenue of approach or mobility corridor, where the interdiction of an enemy force by fire, maneuver, or jamming will reduce or deprive that force of a particular capability or course of action. TAIs are normally areas which were previously identified as NAIs. EX of TAI: bridges, road junctions, choke points, DZs and LZs, FARPs and RARPs.

52. TAI Graphics TAI Symbols FM 34-130 fig. 4-41 p. 4-68 TAI Symbols FM 34-130 fig. 4-41 p. 4-68

53. Decision Point (DP) Decision Points After TAIs are selected, DPs are identified. They identify events, areas, and points on the battlefield where tactical decisions are required, and when these decisions must be made. They do not dictate a decision to the commander. DPs are selected based on the options available to achieve the desired effects against the TAI. DPs are depicted as a star on the DST. Decision Points After TAIs are selected, DPs are identified. They identify events, areas, and points on the battlefield where tactical decisions are required, and when these decisions must be made. They do not dictate a decision to the commander. DPs are selected based on the options available to achieve the desired effects against the TAI. DPs are depicted as a star on the DST.

54. ADA Considerations in AO The area of operation focuses on the third dimension: the element of altitude. As usual, this is assigned to the commander as his geographical area of responsibility for the conduct of operations. Unlike ground AOs, the air AOs often encompass smaller areas that are not within the commanders AO, such as NFAs The area of operation focuses on the third dimension: the element of altitude. As usual, this is assigned to the commander as his geographical area of responsibility for the conduct of operations. Unlike ground AOs, the air AOs often encompass smaller areas that are not within the commanders AO, such as NFAs

55. ADA Considerations of AI ADA AI The air AI includes airspace adjacent to the air AO and extends into enemy airspace. The air AI most often consists of scattered points rather than a contiguous area. This is primarily due to the speed and ranges mobility of modern aircraft. It extends upward to the maximum service ceiling of enemy aircraft and the maximum effective altitude of enemy air defense weapons systems. ADA AI The air AI includes airspace adjacent to the air AO and extends into enemy airspace. The air AI most often consists of scattered points rather than a contiguous area. This is primarily due to the speed and ranges mobility of modern aircraft. It extends upward to the maximum service ceiling of enemy aircraft and the maximum effective altitude of enemy air defense weapons systems.

56. ADA AI Factors ADA AI Factors The factors to consider when determining the locations of the points and the limits of the AI are: Location of tactical ballistic missile (TBM), location of threat airfields, location of FARPs, location of aids to navigation, range capabilities of threat aircraft, altitude capabilities of threat aircraft, range and capabilities of TBM and flight profiles of TBM.ADA AI Factors The factors to consider when determining the locations of the points and the limits of the AI are: Location of tactical ballistic missile (TBM), location of threat airfields, location of FARPs, location of aids to navigation, range capabilities of threat aircraft, altitude capabilities of threat aircraft, range and capabilities of TBM and flight profiles of TBM.

57. ADA Battlefield Effect Considerations ADA Battlefield's effects considers 1- Probable target installations or areas. 2- Likely Air Avenues of Approaches (SHOW VGT 47A) 3- Likely DZs or LZs 4- Likely standoff attack orbits 5- LOS from proposed ADA weapon locations. ADA Battlefield's effects considers 1- Probable target installations or areas. 2- Likely Air Avenues of Approaches (SHOW VGT 47A) 3- Likely DZs or LZs 4- Likely standoff attack orbits 5- LOS from proposed ADA weapon locations.

58. Air Avenue of Approach Read Slide also info on PG 2-21Read Slide also info on PG 2-21

60. ADA Threat ADA threat ADA units and staffs focus on threats posed by: Unmanned Aerodynamic vehicles (UAV), cruise missile (CM) or TBM, FW aircraft, RW aircraft, and airborne and air assault forces. ADA threat ADA units and staffs focus on threats posed by: Unmanned Aerodynamic vehicles (UAV), cruise missile (CM) or TBM, FW aircraft, RW aircraft, and airborne and air assault forces.