text: Integration through the Operations Process
  4-20. The operations process is the principal essential activity conducted by a commander and staff. The
  commander and staff integrate and synchronize CEMA with five key integrating processes throughout the
  operations process (see figure 4-1). These integrating processes are—
  * IPB.
  * Information collection.
  * Targeting.
  * Risk management.
  * Knowledge management.
  Figure 4-1. The operations process and integrating processes
  INTELLIGENCE PREPARATION OF THE BATTLEFIELD
  4-21. To integrate and synchronize the tasks and missions of information collection, the G-2 or S-2 leads the
  staff through the IPB process. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield is the systematic process of analyzing
  the mission variables of enemy, terrain, weather, and civil considerations in an area of interest to determine
  their effect on operations (ATP 2-01.3). IPB assists in developing an in-depth understanding of relevant aspects
  of the OE, including threats.