ATP-3-94-2 HIMARS Deep Operations Download
Page 23 of 72
Deep Operations in the Operations Process 1 September 2016 ATP 3-94.2 2-7 Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield 2-35. Intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB) is a systematic continuous process of analyzing the threat and other aspects of an operational environment within a specific geographic area. Led by the intelligence officer, the entire staff participates in IPB to develop and sustain an understanding of the enemy, terrain and weather, and civil considerations (see ATP 2-01.3). 2-36. IPB consists of four steps. Each step is performed or assessed and refined to ensure that IPB products remain complete and relevant. The four IPB steps are— Define the operational environment. Describe environmental effects on operations. Evaluate the threat. Determine threat courses of action. 2-37. As an integrating process, IPB is integral to planning, targeting, information collection, and decision making during execution in the deep area. IPB results in intelligence products that aid in identifying options available to friendly and threat forces and selecting a course of action during the MDMP. IPB also aids in selection of decision points and the development of branch plans. The conclusions reached and products created during IPB are critical to planning information collection and targeting. 2-38. A key aspect of IPB is refinement. The conclusions made and the products developed during IPB are continually refined throughout the operation. This information is incorporated into the running estimate as new information is obtained and further analysis is conducted during situation development. This refinement ensures the commander’s decisions are based on the most current information. Targeting 2-39. Targeting is the process of selecting and prioritizing targets and matching the appropriate response to them, considering operational requirements and capabilities (JP 3-0). The purpose of targeting is to integrate and synchronize all available capabilities with maneuver operations in accordance with the commander’s targeting guidance. Targeting begins in planning and it is an iterative process that continues through preparation and execution. The steps of the Army’s targeting process are— Decide. Detect. Deliver. Assess. 2-40. This methodology facilitates engagement of the right target, at the right time, with the most appropriate assets based on the commander’s targeting guidance and objectives. Commanders establish the control measures and rules of engagement necessary to minimize the chance of fratricide and excessive collateral damage. These measures (such as FSCMs, no-strike list, airspace coordinating measures, airspace control capabilities and procedures, and others) are included in the operation order See ATP 3-60 for a detailed discussion of targeting. 2-41. The commander’s intent, concept of operation, and targeting guidance provide the parameters in which the staff and targeting working group plan the engagement of targets. This includes how the commander intends to shape the deep area. The commander’s targeting guidance helps the staff decide on which targets must be acquired and engaged in the deep area, and in turn, establishes requirements for information collection. Targeting develops options used to engage targets in the deep area. Options can be lethal or nonlethal, organic or supporting to include maneuver, electronic attack, attack aircraft, surface-to-surface fires, air-to-surface fires from manned or unmanned fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft, and various information- related capabilities. 2-42. Led by the chief of fires, members of the targeting working group perform the detailed staff work associated with targeting. Based on the commander’s guidance and priorities, the targeting working group nominates which targets to engage and how, where, and when to engage them. The staff then recommends friendly capabilities to locate, track, and engage those targets to create the desired effect on each target.