text: Chapter 4
  4-83. Anexecution matrixis a visual representation of subordinatetasks in relationship to each other over
  time(ADP 5-0). An execution matrix could be for the entire force,such as an air assault execution matrix,
  or it may be specific to a warfighting function,such as a fire support execution matrix. The current operations
  integration cell uses the execution matrix to determine which friendly actions to expect forces to execute in
  the near term or,in conjunction with the DSM,which execution decisions to make.
  Commander’sInformation Collection Effort
  4-84. The BCT’s information collection effort answers CCIRs (specifically, priority intelligence
  requirements and friendly force information requirements) and EEFI. The following key doctrinal terms and
  definitions are used throughout this and other chapters. See referenced publications for additional
  information:
  (cid:122) Commander’s critical information requirements—an information requirement identified by the
  commander as being critical to facilitating timely decision making (JP 3-0).
  (cid:122) Friendly force information requirement—information the commander and staff need to
  understand the status of friendly and supporting capabilities (JP 3-0).
  (cid:122) Priority intelligence requirement—an intelligence requirementthat the commander and staff need
  to understand the threat andother aspects of the operational environment (JP 2-01).
  (cid:122) Essential element of friendly information—a critical aspect of a friendly operation that,if known
  bya threat,would subsequently compromise,leadto failure,or limit success of the operation and
  therefore should be protected from enemy detection (ADP6-0).
  Flexible Plans
  4-85. Flexible plans help the BCT adapt quickly to changing circumstances during operations. Flexible plans
  provide options to the commander for addressing new or unforeseen circumstances during execution.
  Ultimately,flexibility enables the commander to mitigate risk and develop options to where best to engage
  the enemy. For example, the decision on where to fight the enemy is based on the commander and staff’s
  clear understanding of the effects of the terrain,the enemy situation,and what the enemy is expected to do.
  The commander and staff select the most advantageous location to fight the engagement and then determine
  other possible locations where the engagement may occur based on a slower-or faster-than-expected enemy
  advance or the enemy’s use of an unlikely avenue of approach (seefigure 4-4). The commander identifies
  these areas as objectives,intermediate objectives,or engagement areas (EAs). Example EAoptions include—
  (cid:122) Option EA Rain. Enemy lead elements cross phase line (PL) Nita, maneuver battalion engages
  enemy in EA Rain (lead battalion elements vicinity PL Sally).
  (cid:122) Option EA Hail. Enemy lead elements move east through NAI 3, maneuver battalion engages
  enemy in EA Hail (lead battalion elements vicinity PL Tracy).
  (cid:122) Option EA Snow. Enemy lead elements move east through NAI 4, maneuver battalion engages
  enemy in EA Snow (lead battalion elements vicinity PL Tracy).
  (cid:122) Option EA Sleet. Enemy lead elements cross PL Sue, maneuver battalion engages enemy in
  EASleet (lead battalion elements vicinity PL Nita).