text: Chapter 2
  Notes. The COP is holistic, with layers that include for example, friendly forces, enemy forces,
  medical, sustainment, fire support, and engineer assets (to include obstacles) positioning. Over
  digital systems, the individual users depending on what information is required at any given
  moment can turn information systems on or off. This ensures the user has accurate information
  when required,for example,critical medical or sustainment nodes,and clean/dirty route locations.
  CPCE, replacing CPOF is the primary computing environment under the common operating
  environment.CPCEis the central computing environment developed to support command posts
  (CPs) and combat operations and will be interoperable with mounted and mobile/handheld
  systems. CPCE providesan integrated,interoperable,and cyber-secure computing infrastructure
  framework for multiple warfighting functions. CPCE provides Army units with a core
  infrastructure, including a COP tool, common data strategy, common applications such as
  mapping and chat,common hardware configurations and common look and feel (user interface).
  CPCE provides an integrated command and control capability across CPand platforms,through
  all echelons,and provides simplicity,intuitiveness,core services and applications,and warfighter
  functionality in the areas of fires,logistics,intelligence,airspace management,and maneuver.
  2-28. The BCT conducts information collection through intelligence operations, reconnaissance, security
  operations, and surveillance that focus on intelligence requirements to bridge information gaps. Gaps
  identified during intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) develop into information requirements
  through aggressive and continuous operations to acquire information. The BCT staff considers operational
  variables and mission variables,with emphasis on civil considerations,to understand the interests within the
  area of operations. Civil considerationsare the influence of manmade infrastructure,civilian institutions,and
  attitudes and activities ofthe civilian leaders,populations,and organizations within an area of operations on
  the conduct of military operations (ADP 6-0). Information requirements that develop situational
  understanding of the interests within an area of operations are defined and collected by focusing civil
  considerations within the characteristicsof areas,structures,capabilities,organizations,people,and events,
  (ASCOPE). The commander uses various capabilities (civil affairs, psychological operations [PSYOP]
  forces,intelligence professionals,academic studies,and U.S. Embassy staff) to understand the nuances and
  particulars of organizations and people within the area of operations.
  2-29. The commander and staff consider culture and pillar organizations that influence the operational
  environment’s civil considerations. Culture is the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts
  members of a society use to cope with the world and each other. Pillar organizations are organizations or
  systems on which the populace depends for support, security, strength, and direction. Examination of a
  culture gives insight to the motivations and interests of people and organizations. Consideration of a culture
  is imperative to successful shaping operations that set conditions for future successes. Thorough
  understanding of the interests of groups and individuals allow for informed and viable COAs that seek to
  favorably shape the environment and contribute to positive outcomes and objectives within the BCT’s area
  of operations.
  2-30. Host-nation security organizations and political partners provide invaluable insight into values,beliefs,
  and interests. As organizations are comprised of the people,they secure and govern,their native fluency in
  the customs,courtesies,cultures,beliefs,interests,and ideals provide the partnering BCT cultural perspective
  and intelligence that develop understanding of the operational environment. Close positive relationships with
  host-nation partners breed trust,which leads to an enhanced understanding of the operational environment.