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

What Is It?
FM 34-130
Remember that “other characteristics” may sometimes influence threat actions more
than terrain or weather considerations. Remember, also, to account for the cultural
bias the threat operates within. They will evaluate the same legal, political, economic,
and demographic aspects in a completely different manner than US personnel would.
The bottom line is to evaluate the battlefield completely from the perspective of the threat.
Remember to express this evaluation in terms of COAs, not detailed descriptions of the
analytical factors that led to the conclusions.
Focus the commander on concluding statements such as, “Sir, the battlefield environment
best supports insurgent attacks on US and host nation (HN) forces near Daleytown. The next
best place for their operations is Elkinsville.” Be prepared to back these conclusions with the
detailed analysis prepared in the previous steps.
Communicate the final conclusions from the description of the battlefield environment in
written reports such as the analysis of the AO or the intelligence estimate. Distribute the
graphic products developed during the analysis and evaluation as needed to support the
remainder of the staff and other commands in their own IPB and planning efforts.
Evaluate the Threat
Definition: The determination of threat force capabilities and the doctrinal principles and TTP threat
forces prefer to employ.
An Example: While planning a contingency show of force operation, a J2 directs the Joint Intelligence
Center (JIC) to study the decisions on record of the targeted country’s dictator. As a result
of this research, the intelligence center produces a model of how the dictator makes
decisions, with special emphasis on his tendencies during political crises.
Meanwhile, the S2 of the brigade which will conduct the operation does his own evaluation
of the threat. He evaluates his contingency area order of battle (OB) files and determines
that the two threat brigades within the target area are equipped, organized, and trained well
enough to be capable of offensive as well as defensive operations against the friendly
brigade. He prepares threat models depicting the threat’s normal offensive and defensive
operations in built-up areas (the setting for the show of force operation).
Desired End Effect:
Know the enemy. Develop threat models which accurately portray how threat forces
normally execute operations and how they have reacted to similar situations in the past.
Know what the threat is capable of, given the current situation.
The threat model should include-
Standard graphic control measures, such as boundaries.
A description of typical tasks for subordinate units.
An evaluation of how well the threat force is trained on the task.
Employment considerations.
A discussion of typical contingencies, sequels, failure options, and wildcard variations.
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