text: Operational Environment of Counterinsurgency
  AREAS
  1-45. This term refers to the specific localities within an AO, where a particular demographic group s
  lives, neighborhood by neighborhood and block by block. Unless a unit occupies an ethnically
  homogenous area, it will have multiple “areas” within its AO. In addition, a single demographic area may
  cross several unit boundaries. Examples of specific areas include—
  • Those defined by political boundaries such as city districts or regional municipalities.
  • Social, political, religious, or criminal enclaves.
  1-46. Once a unit defines the geographic area occupied by a demographic group, then it should
  complete the remainder of the ASCOPE for that area. They repeat this for other areas. Table 1-2 shows an
  example area matrix. Columns in this matrix include—
  Area
  1-47. This column names or describes each of the sub areas of a unit’s AO, such as tribal, religious,
  economic, or political districts.
  Location
  1-48. This column describes the location or boundaries of each group. These boundaries will rarely be
  pure, since often groups overlap.
  Population
  1-49. This column describes how the population perceives and uses the area.
  Insurgent
  1-50. This column shows how the adversary perceives and uses the area.
  Counterinsurgent
  1-51. This column describes how counterinsurgents look at and use this area.
  Table 1-2. Example area matrix.
  From the Perspective of
  Area Location Population Insurgent Counterinsurgent
  Group/Tribe A Grid Safe haven; Area provides Nonpermissive
  (specific name) coordinates/boundaries, Provides early freedom of terrain. All roads in
  for example warning from movement, area are high
  attack; protection from threat. History of
  community government IEDs/SAFs.
  watches out for forces, cache
  each other sites, safe
  houses
  Religious Group A Boundary Perspective is… Perspective is… Perspective is…
  Political District A Boundary Perspective is… Perspective is… Perspective is…
  STRUCTURES
  1-52. Existing structures can play many significant roles. Bridges, communications towers, power
  plants, and dams are important infrastructure. Others, such as churches, mosques, national libraries,
  and hospitals are cultural sites, play important roles in the community. Still others are facilities with
  practical applications such as jails, warehouses, television/radio stations, and print plants. Some aspects