text: Chapter 7
  Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  The IPB process applies to all types of operations, from stability operations to war. It
  helps leaders reduce uncertainty. IPB is conducted as part of the MDMP. The MDMP
  is generally used at battalion or squadron level and above--units with staffs. LRSUs
  do not have staffs and as a result use TLP to plan operations. However, because
  LRSUs make extensive use of IPB products, it is imperative LRSU Soldiers have an
  in-depth understanding of the continuous IPB process. FM 2-01.3 defines IPB as,
  “The staff planning activity undertaken by the entire staff to define and understand
  the operational environment and the advantages and disadvantages presented to
  friendly and threat forces.” IPB has four steps, which this chapter will treat as
  sections:
  • Define the Operational Environment (Section I).
  • Describe Environmental Effects on Operations (Section II).
  • Evaluate the Threat (Section III).
  • Determine Threat Courses of Action (Section IV).
  SECTION I. DEFINE THE OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
  This first of the four steps in the IPB process identifies for further analysis specific features of the environment
  or activities within it and the physical space where they exist that may influence available COAs or the
  commander’s decision. To conduct this step, the staff performs five substeps:
  • Identify significant characteristics of the environment.
  • Identify the limits of the command's AO.
  • Establish limits of the area of influence and the area of interest (AOI).
  • Evaluate existing databases and identify intelligence gaps.
  • Initiate collection of information required to complete IPB.
  IDENTIFY SIGNIFICANT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
  ENVIRONMENT
  7-1. The Army uses METT-TC as the framework for analysis in IPB. Much of the information on
  environmental characteristics can be obtained from existing databases. The BFSB S-2 GI&S section and
  USAF combat weather team contribute much of the commander's and staff's information and analysis.
  TERRAIN
  7-2. In this first substep of defining the operational environment, commanders and staffs use OAKOC
  to develop the military aspects of terrain. These are examples of terrain characteristics:
  • Hydrological data.
  • Elevation data.
  • Soil composition.
  • Vegetation.