Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield - Federation of American ...

FM 34-130
Evaluate fields of fire for all flat trajectory and indirect fire weapons the unit owns:
An ideal field of fire for flat trajectory weapons is an open area in which the threat can
be seen and on which he has no protection from fire from those weapons, out to the
weapon’s maximum effective range. Although observation is essential to effective
control of fire, the best observation does not guarantee the best field of fire; you must
also consider the availability of cover.
For indirect fire weapons, consider only the nature of the terrain in the target area and
the amount of protection it provides from those weapons.
Combine the analysis of each factor limiting observation and fields of fire into a single
product. This is usually an overlay with areas of poor observation and fields of fire marked
by parallel diagonal lines or cross-hatching. It identifies the areas where a unit is vulnerable
to observation by intelligence collection systems or engagement by threat forces. Use these
products to help you identify potential engagement areas and evaluate AAs.
To complete the analysis, identify areas that offer positions overmatching areas of
vulnerability. This helps you to identify defensible terrain, potential battle positions, and
possible locations for intelligence collectors.
If time and resources permit, prepare terrain factor overlays to aid in evaluating observation
and fields of fire. Consider the following:
Vegetation or building height and density.
Canopy or roof closure.
Relief features, including micro-relief features such as defiles (elevation tinting
techniques are helpful).
Friendly and threat target acquisition and sensor capabilities.
Specific LOSs.
Another technique which aids an evaluation of observation and fields of fire is to conductor
request LOS studies. Some commands (such as signal units, MI units, and ADA units)
have a great need for LOS analysis (see Figure 2-6).
LOS studies aid in site selection for specific systems requiring direct LOS. Normally, you
request or conduct LOS studies after the evaluation of the terrain’s effects on observation
have identified areas for likely employment of these systems.
Concealment and Cover:
Concealment is protection from observation. It can be provided by woods, underbrush,
snowdrifts, tall grass, and cultivated vegetation.
Cover is protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires. It can be provided by
ditches, caves, river banks, folds in the ground, shell craters, buildings, walls, and
embankments.
The evaluation of concealment and cover aids in identifying defensible terrain, possible
approach routes, assembly areas, and deployment and dispersal areas. Evaluate concealment
and cover in the same manner as for observation and fields of fire. Combine the analysis of
each factor into a single product such as an overlay cross-hatched to depict areas that offer
concealment and cover. You can usually use the products developed during the evaluation of
observation and fields of fire as a start point. Use the results of the evaluation to—
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