text: Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  7-32. Leaders combine the several factor overlays into a single product known as the combined obstacle
  overlay (COO). They integrate these overlays with the evaluations of various other factors, for example,
  into a single product, the modified COO, or MCOO, that shows the effect of the operational environment
  on mobility.
  7-33. The MCOO provides the basis for identifying air and ground AA and mobility corridors. It
  integrates all obstacles to movement including, but not limited to, built-up areas, slopes, soil, vegetation,
  and transportation systems (bridge classification, road characteristics) into one overlay. It is important that
  the MCOO be tailored to operational METT-TC factors. It is a collaborative effort involving input from the
  entire staff. The MCOO shows the terrain according to mobility classification. These classifications are
  severely restricted, restricted, and unrestricted.
  • Unrestricted--This terrain is free of any restrictions to movement. Examples include gently
  sloping terrain with scattered or widely spaced obstacles such as trees or rocks.
  • Restricted--This terrain hinders movement to some degree. It is represented as "/////////" on
  overlays. Restricted terrain includes "zigzagging" or frequent detours; swamp or rugged terrain
  for LRS teams or dismounts; and moderately to densely spaced obstacles for armor or
  mechanized forces.
  • Severely Restricted--This terrain severely impedes or redirects movement. It is represented as
  "XXXXXXXXX" (cross-hatching) on overlays. Examples include minefields; unfordable rivers; and
  road, railroad, and stream embankments.
  Cover and Concealment
  7-34. This aids in identification of defensible terrain, approach routes, assembly areas, or deployment
  and dispersal areas. Cover and concealment is evaluated the same as observation and fields of fire. Each
  factor is combined onto a single product such as a cross-hatched overlay.
  Cover
  7-35. This means protection from bullets, fragments of exploding rounds, flame, nuclear effects, and
  biological and chemical agents. Cover does not necessarily provide concealment.
  Concealment
  7-36. This is protection from observation such as that provided by woods, underbrush, snowdrifts, and
  tall grass. Concealment considerations for urban operations include using NSTVs or wearing the types of
  clothing worn by the populace. Both may offer some concealment and help the LRS teams blend in.
  Concealment and cover are not the same thing. Concealment hides, cover protects.
  Evaluate the Terrain's Effect on Military Operations
  7-37. The BFSB and R&S squadron staffs evaluate how terrain will affect military operations. They
  disseminate the results of this analysis in the intelligence annex or estimate. The staff uses any of four basic
  techniques to evaluate and graphically show the results of the analysis:
  Concentric Ring Technique--This technique establishes concentric rings around US forces that
  start from the unit’s base of operation and work out.
  Belt Technique--This technique divides the AO in belts (areas) that run the width of the AO. The
  shape of the belt is based on METT-TC analysis.
  Avenue-In-Depth Technique--This technique focuses on one avenue of approach. It is good for
  offensive COAs or for defense when canalized terrain inhibits mutual support.
  Box Technique--This technique requires a detailed analysis of a critical area such as an
  engagement area, river-crossing site, or LZ. It is most useful when time is short for operations
  in noncontiguous AOs.