(U) Subject: Discuss the battlefield intelligence preparation (IPB) process, steps one through four.(U) Context: Throughout U.S. history l he military has made changes to how it deals with its foreign enemies. These tactical techniques and procedures are the result of lessons learned during conflict, mistakes made under fire, and the achievements of a nation at war. As a result, the IPB process has changed to adapt to a dynamic and often fluid battlefield. However, this has not changed the fundamental concept behind the IPB, the four steps still remain an integral part of commanders' military decision-making process (MDMP) and are essential in war games. The IPB helps provide valuable intelligence to war fighters during all phases of operations. This document will cover each phase of the IPB Process and discuss the products associated with each of those phases and how these products can be an asset to the Commander and the warfighter.(U) IPB and MDMP: To fully understand the IPB Process, it is necessary address understanding how MDMP and BPH are related. IPB is used to minimize unknown elements regarding an adversary, terrain, weather conditions, and civil considerations for a variety of operations, including ongoing and future operations. IPB provides a framework that helps identify information, facts, and assumptions related to the mission, the enemy, terrain and weather conditions, available troops and support, available weather, and any civilian considerations (METT-TC). While this doesn't solve everything that can happen, it facilitates effective staff planning. Using the IPB process and the MDMP, the commander and staff are able to select a course of action (COA) and begin the orders process… middle of paper… er, fire and interdiction. The AO may be contiguous or non-contiguous, depending on the mission, the size of the AO, and the size of the Unit. Additionally the AO helps identify the geographic region that a commander is able to influence with both maneuver and fire support systems, these systems can be kinetic or non-kinetic. This area is defined as the Area of Influence (AI) and should be larger than the AO based on the range of the fire or maneuver system available to the Commander. Finally, while primary mission accomplishment occurs within the AO, the Area of Interest (AOI) is where events, issues, and areas outside the AO can interfere with mission accomplishment. These areas may extend to enemy-controlled or occupied areas, as well as current or planned targets outside the AO and AI.Works CitedFM 2-01.3
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