Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

CHAPTER VTHE INTELLIGENCE CYCLE AND AMPHIBIOUSOPERATIONS“For the whole reason-for-being of all military intelligence personnel is tofacilitate accomplishment of the mission, and to save lives. When they fail,all the wrong people are hurt.”Stedman Chandler and Robert W. RobbFront-Line Intelligence1. Introduction: AmphibiousOperations Intelligence,Surveillance, andReconnaissancea. Amphibious operations have beencharacterized as the most complex anddifficult of military operations; however, thebasic nature of intelligence, surveillance,and reconnaissance (ISR) does not changein amphibious operations. The intelligencecycle (planning and direction; collection;processing and exploitation; analysis andproduction; dissemination and integration;and evaluation and feedback) remains thesame. Intelligence is still required to assessbasic infrastructure data, weather andterrain, and threats to friendly forces in thearea of interest (AOI). Amphibiousoperations differ from other militaryoperations due to significant challenges posedby a lack of amphibious force ISR assets inthe operational area during the planning phase,a heavy initial reliance on national and theatercollection assets, the transition to shore, andthe ability to provide predictive analysis tocompensate for relatively longer periods ofuncertainty and, in many cases, total chaos.b. Amphibious operations involveextensive planning in all functional areas toensure that ships, aircraft, landing craft, andsupporting fires are synchronized to arrive atspecific points at specific times to takeadvantage of enemy critical vulnerabilities andexpedite combat power build-up andsustainment ashore. This requirescomprehensive intelligence preparation ofthe battlespace (IPB), includingharmonization of intelligence and operationalplanners to ensure that COAs are feasible andthat enemy capabilities, vulnerabilities, andCOGs are identified and taken intoconsideration.c. Amphibious operations rely onintelligence to support planning, COAselection, and maneuver. Amphibious forceintelligence operations are conducted acrossstrategic, operational, and tactical levels ofwar. From National Military Strategyconsiderations down to tactical doctrine,intelligence analysis reveals enemy COGs,strengths, and vulnerabilities. Intelligencealso assesses potential for maneuver offeredby the battlespace, to include identifyinglanding force zones of entry. Intelligencesupport throughout the operation provides asolid foundation for effective force protectionefforts for the amphibious force.2. Required Intelligence,Surveillance, andReconnaissance CapabilitiesThe following intelligence capabilities arerequired to support amphibious operations.a. Broad maneuver space and commandsupport in order to enable intelligence todetermine enemy strengths to be avoided andweaknesses to be exploited.V-1