text: Chapter 7
  AOI is established by the commander with input from the G-2/S-2 and G-3/S-3. It is normally larger than
  the area of influence, and may therefore require more intelligence assets to monitor. Time is the key
  consideration in establishing the limits of the AOI. Time limits consider two primary factors: the mobility
  of the threat and the time needed for the friendly unit to accomplish the mission.
  EVALUATE EXISTING DATABASES AND IDENTIFY
  INTELLIGENCE GAPS
  7-14. In this fourth of five subtasks, national, multinational, joint, and higher echelon databases are
  examined to determine if the information required already exists and is available. Not all needed
  information will be available, which causes gaps in the available information. Identifying the gaps early
  allows actions to be initiated to collect the intelligence required to fill them. The commander’s initial
  intelligence requirements and intent also allows these gaps to be prioritized. Any gaps not expected to be
  filled within the available time must be substituted with reasonable assumptions.
  INITIATE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION REQUIRED TO
  COMPLETE IPB
  7-15. In this last of five subtasks, the G-2/S-2 identifies and prioritizes the gaps in current holdings
  (Table 7-1). Based on this analysis, collection activities are initiated or RFIs are submitted to fill
  intelligence gaps to the level of detail needed to conduct IPB. IPB products are constantly updated as the
  staff receives new information.
  Table 7-1. Identification of gaps in existing databases.
  Who ? What ? Why or When ?
  Leader Evaluates LRS and SOF debrief and To identify and prioritize gaps in current
  patrol/surveillance log archives information
  Teams Evaluates the MPF To find information gaps
  Leader Reviews the MPF To thoroughly identify intelligence or information
  gaps
  Leader Loses planning time and manpower If he fails to thoroughly research information in
  the MPF
  Team Formulates requests for RFI and RII After intelligence gaps are identified
  7-16. Once the LRSC and LRS team receives their mission, they conduct a similar analysis. The leaders
  and team members review and evaluate the MPF, OPORD, annexes, briefings and debriefings to identify
  intelligence or information gaps. Once this is complete, they formulate RFIs and requests for intelligence
  information (RIIs).
  SECTION II. DESCRIBE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ON OPERATIONS
  At this second step in the IPB process, staffs determine how the environment affects both the friendly and threat
  operations and the friendly and threat COAs. Performing this step in a determined and thorough manner may
  prevent the unit from being surprised by an unexpected enemy COA.
  ANALYZE THE ENVIRONMENT
  7-17. An AO evaluation is generally more detailed than an AOI evaluation. For each, the leader
  considers the areas that might favor one type of military operation, such as attack or defend, or those
  associated with stability operations such as peace enforcement, peacekeeping, and arms control.