text: Chapter 5
  IMPROVE SITUATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
  5-7. The IO officer/element must understand and share their understanding of the information environment
  with the commander and staff. During preparation, information collection begins, which helps to validate
  assumptions and improve situational understanding. Coordination, liaison, and rehearsals further enhance
  this understanding. Given the information environment's complexity, this task is never-ending and depends
  on everyone, not just the IO officer, to update and refine understanding of the information environment.
  REVISE AND REFINE PLANS AND ORDERS
  5-8. Plans are not static; the commander adjusts them based on new information. This information may be
  the result of analysis of unit preparations, answers to IO IRs, and updates of threat information capacity and
  capability.
  5-9. During preparation, the IO officer adjusts the relevant portions of the operation plan (OPLAN) or
  operation order (OPORD) to reflect the commander's decisions. The IO officer also updates the IO running
  estimate so that it contains the most current information about adversary information activities, changes in
  the weather or terrain, and friendly IRCs.
  5-10. The IO officer ensures that IO input to IPB remains relevant throughout planning and preparation. To
  do this, they ensure that IO input to the information collection plan is adjusted to support refinements and
  revisions made to the OPLAN/OPORD.
  5-11. IO preparation begins during planning. As the IO appendix begins to take shape, IO officer
  coordination with other staff elements is vital because IO affects every other warfighting function. For
  example, planning an attack on a command and control (C2) high-payoff target requires coordination with
  the targeting team. A comprehensive attack offering a high probability of success may involve air interdiction
  and therefore needs to be placed on the air tasking order. It may involve deep attack: rocket and missile fires
  have to be scheduled in the fire support plan. Army jammers and collectors have to fly the missions when
  and where needed. The IO officer ensures the different portions of the OPLAN/OPORD contain the necessary
  coordinating instructions for these actions to occur at the right time and place.
  5-12. Effective IO is consistent at all echelons. The IO officer reviews subordinate unit OPLANs/OPORDs
  to ensure IO has been effectively addressed and detect inconsistencies. The IO officer also looks for possible
  conflicts between the command's OPLAN/OPORD and those of subordinates. When appropriate, the IO
  officer reviews adjacent unit OPLANs/OPORDs for possible conflicts. This review allows the IO officer to
  identify opportunities to mass IO effects across units.
  5-13. OPLAN/OPORD refinement includes developing branches and sequels. Branches and sequels are
  normally identified during war-gaming (COA analysis). However, the staff may determine the need for them
  at any time. The G-3 (S-3) prioritizes branches and sequels. The staff develops them as time permits. The IO
  officer participates in their development as with any other aspect of planning.
  5-14. A key focus during preparation is on assessment of the current state of the information environment.
  This assessment is performed to establish baselines, which are subsequently used when assessing whether IO
  objectives and IRC tasks were effective in creating desired effects.
  CONDUCT COORDINATION AND LIAISON
  5-15. IO requires all units and elements to coordinate with each other continuously, as well as liaise.
  Coordination begins during planning; however, input to a plan alone does not constitute coordination.
  Coordination involves exchanging the information needed to synchronize operations. The majority of
  coordination takes place during preparation. It is then that the IO officer follows through on the coordination
  initiated during planning. Exchanging information is critical to successful coordination and execution.
  Coordination may be internal or external and is enhanced through liaison.