text: Appendix C
  Air Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  IPB is a systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and environment in a
  specific area. The commander uses the IPB process to understand the battlefield and
  the options it presents to friendly and threat forces. This appendix discusses the four
  steps in developing an air IPB: define the operational environment, describe
  environmental effects on operations, evaluate the threat, and determine threat courses
  of action. Discussions are focused on the IPB for SHORAD forces.
  STEP 1-DEFINE THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
  C-1. An operational environment is a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect
  the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander (JP 3-0). Defining the operational
  environment results in the identification of significant characteristics that can affect friendly and threat
  operations and any gaps in current intelligence holdings.
  C-2. During step 1, the intelligence staff must identify those significant characteristics related to the mission
  variables of enemy, terrain, weather, and civil considerations that are relevant to the mission. The intelligence
  staff evaluates significant characteristics to identify gaps and initiate information collection. There are four
  sub-steps in defining the operational environment: define the air defense AO, define the air defense area of
  interest; evaluate current operations, existing databases, and identify intelligence gaps; and initiate collection
  of information required to complete the IPB.
  C-3. A doctrinal area of operations is an operational area defined by a commander for land and maritime
  forces that should be large enough to accomplish their missions and protect their forces (JP 3-0). The air
  defense AO defines the area where the SHORAD commander can affect the battle with assigned weapon
  systems. The air defense AO is generally identical to the ground AO in width and depth and extends vertically
  to the maximum altitude capability of SHORAD systems. It may be much larger than the doctrinal AO for a
  commander, in that SHORAD sensors may project coverage well beyond the supported asset's area. Such
  longer-range surveillance and detection capabilities are significant contributors to early warning and
  protection of the force.
  C-4. A doctrinal area of interest is that area of concern to the commander, including the area of influence,
  areas adjacent thereto, and extending into enemy territory (JP 3-0). The area of interest is the geographic area
  and the airspace above it from which information and intelligence assessments are required to facilitate
  planning or successful conduct of the commander's operation. Because the commander and staff need time
  to process information and plan and synchronize operations, the commander's area of interest is generally
  larger than the AO. It is also larger due to the great distances that air and missile systems can rapidly cover.
  The air area of interest will extend vertically to cover the maximum service ceilings or trajectories of aircraft,
  UASs, RAM, and missile systems. Horizontally, it will extend to cover the maximum range of aircraft, UASs,
  RAM, and missiles plus threat airfields, forward arming and refueling points, navigation aids, and missile
  sites. The area of interest extends to the limits from which information must be collected about enemy forces
  which could affect friendly forces.
  C-5. In evaluating current operations and developing future plans, commanders must identify the types of
  friendly and threat information that will affect success or failure of said operation. Not all information will
  be available in the time allotted or to the degree required. Information gaps should be identified early and
  prioritized based on the commander's initial guidance and intent for intelligence and information collection.
  C-6. The intelligence team fills intelligence gaps by initiating collection operations through priority
  intelligence requirements, essential elements of friendly information, and requests for information.