text: Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
  displacement, surface reflection, and antenna locations influence command and control. Structures also
  influence ISR operations. The increased density and volume created by man-made structures increases how
  much information commanders and their staffs collect and assess as well as the number of forces required.
  Building materials and construction will also influence force structures to include weapons and equipment
  required. Heavily constructed buildings combined with hot and cold extremes may affect target
  identification for thermal sights. Thick walls, for example, may make combat vehicle identification
  difficult by distorting hotspots. Additionally, the increased use of heaters and warming fires may clutter
  thermal sights with numerous hotspots. The ability to maneuver through the urban dimensions—airspace,
  supersurface, surface, and subsurface—and shoot through walls, ceilings, and floors also creates increased
  psychological stress. The physical characteristics of man-made terrain can also be analyzed using OAKOC.
  Weather
  A-15. Weather and its effects are often considered when examining the military aspects of terrain.
  Military aspects of weather include temperature (heat and cold), light conditions, precipitation (cloud
  cover, rain, snow, fog, and smog), and wind. Their military effects during COIN are similar to any
  operational environment (see FM 34-81 and FM 34-81-1). Extremes of heat and cold affect weapon
  systems and the Soldiers that operate them. Precipitation affects mobility and visibility.
  A-16. Commanders also analyze weather for its potential effect on civilians and civilian infrastructure
  as well as Soldiers and military equipment. Rain might create sewage overflow problems in areas with
  collapsed sewage infrastructure, increasing disease and even creating panic. Rain and flooding may also
  make some subsurface areas impassable or extremely hazardous to civilian and military forces alike. Other
  weather effects on COIN can include—
  • Heavy snowfall may paralyze area transportation and distribution infrastructure, hindering the
  government’s ability to provide vital human services (police, fire fighting, medical,
  and rescue). Heavy rains and flooding may have similar effects especially on poorly designed
  and constructed roads or roads that have been damaged by tracked vehicles.
  • Extreme hot and cold weather climates, which increase the dependence (and military
  significance) of many elements of the infrastructure. For example, the energy infrastructure
  may be critical. Without it, civilians may be inadequately cooled or heated, or they may be
  unable to cook their food.
  • In tropical areas, rain can occur at the same time each day during the wet season. Threat forces
  may attack during these periods knowing aircraft will have difficulty responding. Bad weather
  also reduces the effectiveness of surveillance, direct and indirect fire, and logistic support.
  • Inclement weather may preclude demonstrations or rallies by threats. Good weather may mean
  a maximum turnout of civilians for events such as festivals, sporting events, and other social,
  cultural, or religious activities.
  • Severe weather may affect psychological, civil-military and humanitarian assistance operations.
  Heavy rains and severe dust storms may disrupt leaflet drops, construction projects, food
  and water distribution, and medical and veterinary assistance programs.
  SOCIETY
  A-17. This manual shows that societal considerations take on added importance in COIN. Critical
  to operational success is knowing and understanding which groups live in an area, what relationships exist
  among them, and how each population group will respond to friendly and threat activities. Often
  determining any of this is very difficult. Cultural acuity is also essential in helping commanders and their
  staffs to view the area as the residents view it. The demographics presented show what conditions exist,
  while the other categories help to explain the root causes or why conditions exist (Figure A-3). Other
  categories besides basic demographics that are important to gain this understanding include health, history,
  leadership, ethnicity and culture, religion, and government and politics.