text: Chapter 4
  Figure 4-3. IO-related factors to consider during IPB
  DETERMINE SPECIFIED, IMPLIED, AND ESSENTIAL TASKS
  4-41. While the staff determines specified, implied, and essential tasks the unit must perform, the IO officer
  identifies specified IO tasks in the higher headquarters OPLAN or OPORD. The IO officer also develops IO-
  related implied tasks that support accomplishing identified specified tasks. These identified tasks are the basis
  of the initial scheme of IO developed during COA development.
  IO officers look for specified tasks that may involve IO in the higher headquarters OPLAN or OPORD,
  paying particular attention to:
  * Paragraph 1, Situation.
  * Paragraph 2, Mission.
  * Paragraph 3, Execution, especially subparagraphs on IO, tasks to subordinate units, and CCIRs.
  * Annexes and appendices that address intelligence, operations, fire support, rules of engagement,
  IO, IRCs, information collection, assessment, and interagency coordination.
  4-42. Some IO specified tasks, such as support to the higher headquarters deception plan, become unit
  objectives. Others, particularly those that address only one IRC, are incorporated under IO objectives as tasks.
  As the staff identifies specified tasks for the overall operation, the IO officer deduces the steps that are
  necessary to accomplish these specified tasks. These tasks become IO implied tasks. Once the IO officer
  identifies specified and implied tasks and understands each task’s requirements and purpose, essential tasks
  are identified. An essential task is a specified or implied task that must be executed to accomplish the mission.
  If the command must accomplish an IO task to accomplish its mission, that task is an essential task for the
  command and is included in the recommended mission statement.
  REVIEW AVAILABLE ASSETS AND IDENTIFY RESOURCE SHORTFALLS
  4-43. During this sub-step, the commander and staff determine if they have the assets required to perform
  the specified, implied, and essential tasks. The IO officer performs this analysis to determine if the requisite
  capabilities are on hand or available through coordination with higher echelons to achieve the effects in the
  information environment necessary to support the mission. At echelons below division, units have few
  organic IRCs other than movement and maneuver; Soldier and leader engagement; and presence, posture,
  and profile. If additional IRCs are required, the IO officer works with the operations officer to request these