FM 34-130: Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield
GLOSSARY
Section I. Abbreviations and Acronyms
A
A as acquired
AA avenue of approach
AC Active Component
AD air defense
ADA air defense artillery
ADAM area denial artillery munition
AI area of interest
ALO air liaison officer
ammo ammunition
AO area of operations
APC armored personnel carrier
approx approximately
ARNG Army National Guard
arty artillery
ASPS all-source production section
assy assembly
AWACS airborne warning and control system
AVLB armored vehicle launched bridge
B
BDA battle damage assessment
bde brigade
BFV Bradley fighting vehicle
BMNT beginning morning nautical twilight
bn battalion
BOS Battlefield Operating System
BP battle position
C
C Celsius
°C degree Celsius
C3 command, control, and communications
C3I command, control, communications, and intelligence
CAS close air support
CATK counterattack
cav cavalry
CEV combat engineer vehicle
chem chemical
CI counterintelligence
CIAS counterintelligence analysis section
cm centimeter
cmd command
co company
commo communications
COA course of action
COIN counterinsurgency
col collection
CON PLAN contingency plan
CP command post
CS combat support
CSS combat service support
D
D destroy
DAG division artillery group
DISCOM division support command
DIVARTY division artillery
DMA Defense Mapping Agency
DMMC division materiel maintenance command
DP decision point
DPICM dual purpose improved conventional munitions
DS direct support
DST decision support template
DTG date-time group
DZ drop zone
E
ea each
EA electronic attack
EAC echelons above corps
E&E escape and evasion
EENT end evening nautical twilight
engr engineer
E-O electro-optical
EP electronic protection
ES electronic warfare support
etc and so forth
EW electronic warfare
EWO electronic warfare officer
extal extra time allowance
F
°F degree Fahrenheit
FAARP forward area arming and refueling point
FASCAM family of artillery scatterable mines
FEBA forward edge of battle area
fp/s feet per second
FRAGO fragmentary order
FRG Federal Republic of Germany
FS fire support
FSB forward support battalion
FSE fire support element
FSO fire support officer
ft feet
FTX field training exercise
G
GS general support
GSAC general support aviation company
H
helos helicopters
HEMTT heavy expanded mobility tactical truck
HN host nation
HOW howitzer
HPT high-payoff target
hq headquarters
hr hour
HUMINT human intelligence
HVT high-value target
hwy highway
I
I immediate
ID identification
IEW intelligence and electronic warfare
illum illumination
IMINT imagery intelligence
in inch
inf infantry
IPB intelligence preparation of the battlefield
IR information requirement
1SG first sergeant
ISM intelligence synchronization matrix
ISOS Intelligence System of Systems
I&W indications and warnings
J
JIC Joint Intelligence Center
K
km kilometer
km/h kilometers per hour
L
LC line of contact
LD line of departure
LD/LC line of departure is the line of contact
LAW light antitank weapon
LOA limit of advance
LOC line of communication
log logistics
LOS line of sight
LTIOV latest time information of value
LZ landing zone
M
m meter
MASH Mobile Army Surgical Hospital
mm millimeter
maint maintenance
MASINT measurement and signature intelligence
MBA main battle area
MCOO modified combined obstacle overlay
MDCI multidiscipline counterintelligence
mech mechanized
METT-T mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available
MI Military Intelligence
MLRS multiple launch rocket system
mph miles per hour
MRL multiple rocket launcher
MRR motorized rifle regiment
MSB Maintenance Support Battalion
MU movement unit
N
N North
NA not applicable
NAI named area of interest
NBC nuclear, biological, and chemical
NEO noncombatant evacuation operation
N.L.M. fictitious organization
NME Nuevo Metropolanio Ejercito
NODLR night observation device long range
NOE nap-of-the-earth
nuc nuclear
NVG night vision goggles
NW northwest
O
OB order of battle
OBJ objective
obs obstacle
OCOKA observation and fields of fire, concealment and cover, obstacles, key terrain,
avenues of approach
O/O on order
OPLAN operations plan
OPORD operations order
OPSEC operations security
P
P planned
pax personnel
PIR priority intelligence requirement
PL phase line
plt platoon
POL petroleum, oils, and lubricants
PSYOP psychological operations
Q
QRF quick reaction force
R
RAAMS remote antiarmor mine system
RCLR recoilless rifle
REC radio electronic combat
recon reconnaissance
RISTA reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition
ROE rules of engagement
ROM refuel on move
R&S reconnaissance and surveillance
rt route
S
S suppress
SEAD suppression of enemy air defense
SEMA special electronic mission aircraft
SIGINT signals intelligence
SIR specific information requirement
SITMAP situation map
SJA staff judge advocate
SOFA Status of Forces Agreement
SOP standing operating procedure
SOR specific order or request
SP starting point
spt support
sq square
sqd squad
SSM surface-to-surface missile
SW southwest
SYFL Students Yearning for a Free Lilliput
synch synchronization
T
TAA tactical assembly area
TAI target area of interest
TBM tactical ballistic missile
TD tank division
TECHINT technical intelligence
temp temperature
TF task force
tk tank
tm team
TOC tactical operation center
TOE tables of organization and equipment
TOW tube-launched optically tracked wire-guided
TPL time phase line
TTP tactics, techniques, and procedures
U
UAV unmanned aerial vehicle
unk unknown
USAF United States Air Force
USAR United States Army Reserve
UW unconventional warfare
V
VCI vehicle cone index
veh vehicle
vic vicinity
vis visibility
vpk vehicles per kilometer
W
W West
w with
wpn weapon
Section II. Terms
- Area of interest
-
The geographical area from which information and intelligence are required to permit planning or successful conduct of the command's operation. The AI is usually larger than the command's AO and battle space; it includes any threat forces or characteristics of the battlefield environment that will significantly influence accomplishment of the command's mission.
Area of operations -
That portion of an area of conflict necessary for military operations. AOs are geographical areas assigned to commanders for which they have responsibility and in which they have the authority to conduct military operations.
Assumptions -
Information used to replace missing facts necessary for command and staff planning, estimating, and decision making. Assumptions may also be required for facts that change due to the time difference between receipt of the mission and the time of execution, such as threat dispositions. Assumptions should be confirmed or denied by intelligence collection whenever practical.
Avenue of approach -
An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path. AAs are based on the capabilities and opportunities offered by the battlefield environment and may not necessarily form part of a COA. Defensive AAs support counterattacks and the commitment of reserves. Note the difference between AAs, axis of advance, and direction of attack.
Axis of advance -
A general route of advance, assigned for purposes of control, which extends toward the enemy. An axis of advance symbol portrays a commander's intention, such as avoidance of built-up areas or envelopment of an enemy force. It follows terrain suitable for the size of the force assigned the axis and is often a road, a group of roads, or a designated series of locations. A commander may maneuver his forces and supporting fires to either side of an axis of advance provided the unit remains oriented on the axis and the objective. Deviations from an assigned axis of advance must not interfere with the maneuver of adjacent units without prior approval of the higher commander. Enemy forces that do not threaten security or jeopardize mission accomplishment may be bypassed. An axis of advance is not used to direct the control of terrain or the clearance of enemy forces from specific locations. Intermediate objectives are normally assigned for these purposes. An axis of advance is a control measure that is assigned as part of a COA; the term "axis of advance" is not synonymous with avenue of approach. See also Direction of Attack.
Battle damage assessment -
The timely and accurate estimate of damage resulting from the application of military force, either lethal or non-lethal, against an objective or target.
Battlefield Operating System -
The major functions performed by the force on the battlefield to successfully execute Army operations in order to accomplish military objectives. BOS forms a framework for examining complex operations in terms of functional operating systems. The systems include maneuver, fire support, air defense, command and control, intelligence, mobility and survivability, and CSS.
Battle position -
A defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy AA from which a unit may defend or attack. Such units can be as large as battalion task forces and as small as platoons. A unit assigned a battle position is located within the general outline of the battle position. Security, CS forces, and CSS forces may operate outside a battle position to provide early enemy detection and all-around security. Although most battle positions are based on terrain features, they are control measures.
Battle space -
Components determined by the maximum capabilities of a unit to acquire and dominate the enemy; includes areas beyond the AO; it varies over time according to how the commander positions his assets. It depends on the command's ability to both acquire and engage targets using its own assets or those of other commands on its behalf.
Beginning morning nautical twilight -
Morning nautical twilight begins when the sun is 12 degrees below the eastern horizon. It is the start of that period where, in good conditions and in the absence of other illumination, enough light is available to identify the general outlines of ground objects, conduct limited military operations, and engage in most types of ground movement without difficulty. See end evening nautical twilight.
Boer -
A Dutch colonist or a descendant of a Dutch colonist in Southern Africa. The Boers created several independent states in Southern Africa in the early 19th century after the British annexed their lands in South Africa. Economic competition, the discovery of gold and diamonds, and other factors led to increased hostility between the Boers and the British, resulting in the Boer War (1899-1902).
BOS synchronization matrix -
A written record of wargaming. The BOS synchronization matrix depicts the criteria that generate each anticipated friendly decision and the resulting action by each friendly BOS. Other information required to execute a specific friendly COA may also be included.
Branch -
A contingency plan (an option built into the basic plan) for changing the disposition, orientation, or direction of movement of the force.
Capability -
The ability to successfully perform an operation or accomplish an objective. The evaluation of capabilities includes an assessment of a force's current situation as well as its organization, doctrine, and normal TTPs. Capabilities are stated in terms of broad COAs and supporting operations. Generally, only capabilities that will influence accomplishment of the friendly command's mission are addressed.
Center of gravity -
The hub of all power and movement upon which everything depends. That characteristic, capability, or location from which enemy and friendly forces derive their freedom of action, physical strength, or the will to fight.
Common understanding of the battlefield -
How the commander and staff perceive the battlefield environment. It includes the sum of all that is known or perceived of friendly and threat forces and the effects of the battlefield environment.
Confirmed intelligence -
Information or intelligence reported by three independent sources. The test for independence is certainty that the information report of one source was not derived from either of the two other sources, usually resulting in reliance on original reporting. Analytical judgment counts as one source. Ensure that no more than one source is based solely on analytical judgment.
Course of action -
A possible plan open to an individual or commander that would accomplish or is related to accomplishment of the mission. A COA is initially stated in broad terms with the details determined during staff wargaming. To develop COAs, the staff must focus on key information and intelligence necessary to make decisions. COAs include five elements: WHAT (the type of operation), WHEN (the time the action will begin), WHERE (boundaries, axis, etc.), HOW (the use of assets), and WHY (the purpose or desired end state).
Culminating point -
The point in time and space when the attacker's combat power no longer exceeds that of the defender or when the defender no longer has the capability to defend successfully.
Decision point -
The point in space and time where the commander or staff anticipates making a decision concerning a specific friendly COA. DPs are usually associated with threat force activity or the battlefield environment and are therefore associated with one or more NAIs. DPs also may be associated with the friendly force and the status of ongoing operations.
Decision support template -
A graphic record of wargaming. The DST depicts DPs, timelines associated with movement of forces and the flow of the operation, and other key items of information required to execute a specific friendly COA.
Decisive point -
A point, usually geographical in nature, that, when retained, provides a commander with a marked advantage over his opponent. Decisive points could also include other physical elements such as enemy formations, command posts, and communications nodes.
Defensible terrain -
Terrain that offers some concealment and cover to defending forces while also providing observation and fields of fire into potential engagement areas. Ideal defensible terrain is difficult to bypass, offers concealed and covered battle positions, covered withdrawal routes, and overlooks engagement areas that allow the defending force to use all of their weapon systems at their maximum ranges. Defensible terrain must defend a likely objective or AA (otherwise, why defend it?).
Delaying operation -
An operation usually conducted when the commander needs time to concentrate or withdraw forces, to establish defenses in greater depth, to economize in an area, or to complete offensive actions elsewhere. In the delay, the destruction of the enemy force is secondary to slowing his advance to gain time. Delay missions are delay in sector, or delay forward of a specified line for a specified time or specified event (see FM 101-5-1).
Direction of attack -
A specific direction or route that the main attack or the main body of the force will follow. If used, it is normally at battalion and lower levels. Direction of attack is a more restrictive control measure than axis of advance, and units are not free to maneuver off the assigned route. It usually is associated with infantry units conducting night attacks, or units involved in limited visibility operations, and in counterattack. In NATO terminology it is referred to as an Attack Route. Note that directions of attack are control measures that are assigned as part of a COA; the term is not synonymous with avenue of approach. See also axis of advance.
Doctrinal template -
A model based on postulated threat doctrine. Doctrinal templates illustrate the disposition and activity of threat forces and assets (HVTs) conducting a particular operation unconstrained by the effects of the battlefield environment. They represent the application of threat doctrine under ideal conditions. Ideally, doctrinal templates depict the threat's normal organization for combat, frontages, depths, boundaries and other control measures, assets available from other commands, objective depths, engagement areas, battle positions, and so forth. Doctrinal templates are usually scaled to allow ready use on a map background. They are one part of a threat model.
Drift -
A colloquial expression for a ford; a shallow place in a stream or river that can be crossed by walking or riding on horseback.
Duffer -
British colloquial expression for an incompetent, awkward, or stupid person.
Electronic attack -
A subcomponent of electronic warfare, formerly known as electronic countermeasures (ECM).
Electronic protection -
A subcomponent of electronic warfare, formerly known as electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM).
Electronic warfare -
Consists of three subcomponents: electronic attack (EA), electronic warfare support (ES), and electronic protection (EP).
Electronic warfare support -
A subcomponent of electronic warfare, formerly known as electronic support measures (ESM).
End evening nautical twilight -
Occurs when the sun has dropped 12 degrees below the western horizon, and is the instant of last available daylight for the visual control of limited ground operations. At EENT there is no further sunlight available. See beginning morning nautical twilight.
Engagement area -
An area in which the commander intends to trap and destroy an enemy force with the massed fires of all available weapons. Engagement areas are routinely identified by a target reference point in the center of the trap area or by prominent terrain features around the area. Although engagement areas may also be divided into sectors of fire, it is important to understand that defensive systems are not designed around engagement areas, but rather around AAs.
Envelopment -
An offensive maneuver in which the main attacking force passes around or over the enemy's principal defensive positions to secure objectives to the enemy's rear.
Event matrix -
A description of the indicators and activity expected to occur in each NAI. It normally cross-references each NAI and indicator with the times they are expected to occur and the COAs they will confirm or deny. There is no prescribed format.
Event template -
A guide for collection planning. The event template depicts the NAIs where activity (or its lack) will indicate which COA the threat has adopted.
Facts -
Information known to be true. In terms of intelligence, facts include confirmed intelligence. See Assumptions.
High-payoff target -
Target whose loss to the threat will contribute to the success of the friendly COA.
High-value target -
Assets that the threat commander requires for the successful completion of a specific COA.
Indicators -
Positive or negative evidence of threat activity or any characteristic of the AO which points toward threat vulnerabilities or the adoption or rejection by the threat of a particular capability, or which may influence the commander's selection of a COA. Indicators may result from previous actions or from threat failure to take action.
Infiltration lane -
A route used by forces to infiltrate through or into an area or territory. The movement is usually conducted in small groups or by individuals. Normally, infiltrating forces avoid contact with the enemy until arrival at the objective area. Because of the emphasis on surprise, infiltration lanes usually make use of terrain that offers concealment and cover, even if some sacrifice in mobility results.
Information requirement -
An intelligence requirement of lower priority than the PIR of lowest priority.
Intelligence preparation of the battlefield -
The systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and environment in a specific geographic area. IPB is designed to support the staff estimate and military decision making process. Most intelligence requirements are generated as a result of the IPB process and its interrelation with the decision making process.
Intelligence requirement -
A requirement for intelligence to fill a gap in the command's knowledge and understanding of the battlefield or threat forces. Intelligence requirements are designed to reduce the uncertainties associated with successful completion of a specific friendly COA; a change in the COA usually leads to a change in intelligence requirements. Intelligence requirements that support decisions which affect the overall mission accomplishment (such as choice of a COA, branch, or sequel) are designated by the commander as PIR. Less important intelligence requirements are designated as IR.
Kilometer -
A unit of linear measure equal to one thousand meters, or 0.62137 miles. To convert miles to kilometers, multiply the number of miles by a factor of 1.60934.
Knot -
A unit of speed roughly equal to 1.15 miles per hour. Sometimes also incorrectly used to denote a linear distance measured in nautical miles.
Latest time information of value -
The time by which information must be delivered to the requestor in order to provide decision makers with timely intelligence. Sometimes the LTIOV is the expected time of a decision anticipated during staff wargaming and planning. If someone other than the decision maker must first process the information, the LTIOV is earlier than the time associated with the decision point. The time difference accounts for delays in processing and communicating the final intelligence to the decision maker.
Limit of advance -
An easily recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will not advance. Note that it is a control measure rather than a terrain restriction.
Line of contact -
A general trace delineating the location where two opposing forces are engaged.
Line of departure (LD) -
A line designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units or scouting elements at a specified time. A start line.
Lines of communication -
All the routes (land, water, and air) that connect an operating military force with one or more bases of operations and along which supplies and military forces move. Note that not all roads and rails are LOCs; some are unsuited, others may be suitable but not used. Note also that in this context, a communications center is an area where LOCs converge, such as transshipment points or hub-pattern cities.
Mile -
A unit of linear measure equal to 5,280 feet, 1,760 yards, or 1.60934 kilometers. To convert kilometers to miles, multiply the number of kilometers by a factor of 0.62137.
Mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available -
Used to describe the factors that must be considered during the planning or execution of a tactical operation. Since these factors vary in any given situation, the term "METT-T dependent" is a common way of denoting that the proper approach to a problem in any situation depends on these factors and their interrelationship in that specific situation.
Mobility corridor -
Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed and are therefore relatively free of obstacles.
Modified combined obstacle overlay -
A product used to depict the battlefield's effects on military operations. It is normally based on a product depicting all obstacles to mobility, modified to also depict the following, which are not prescriptive nor inclusive.
- Cross-country mobility classifications (such as RESTRICTED).
- Objectives.
- AAs and mobility corridors.
- Likely locations of counter-mobility obstacle systems.
- Defensible terrain.
- Likely engagement areas.
- Key terrain.
Motorized rifle regiment -
Name of a Soviet-style maneuver unit normally consisting of three mechanized infantry battalions, one tank battalion, one artillery battalion, and enough CS and CSS assets to make it capable of independent action for at least limited periods. The term "motorized" dates from World War II when most units depended on trucks for transportation. Today, most units with this name are actually mechanized.
Named area of interest -
The geographical area where information that will satisfy a specific information requirement can be collected. NAIs usually selected to capture indications of threat are COAs but also may be related to conditions of the battlefield.
Nautical mile -
A unit of linear measure equal to 1.852 kilometers, or approximately 1.15 land miles. Nautical miles are commonly used in sea and air navigation.
NME -
Nuevo Metropolanio Ejercito; a fictitious organization created for purposes of illustrating the application of the doctrinal principles in this manual.
Not later than -
The time by which something must be accomplished.
Nuclear, biological, and chemical -
Used to denote weapons or operations which depend on NBC warheads or agents for their casualty-producing effects; or which protect or defend against, or react to, their use.
OCOKA -
A commonly used acronym and mnemonic for the military aspects of terrain. The acronym does not dictate the order in which the factors are evaluated; use the order best suited to the situation at hand. The military aspects of terrain are observation and fields of fire, concealment and cover, obstacles, key terrain, and avenues of approach.
Order of battle -
Intelligence pertaining to identification, strength, command structure, and disposition of personnel, units, and equipment of any military force. The OB factors form the any military force. The OB factors form the framework for analyzing military forces and their capabilities, building threat models, and hence developing COA models. See FM 34-3.
Pattern analysis -
Deducing the doctrine and TTP of a force by careful observation and evaluation of patterns in its activities. Pattern analysis leads to the development of threat models and hence to COA models. Identified patterns of threat activity can be used as indicators of threat COAs.
Penetration -
A form of offensive maneuver that seeks to break through the enemy's defensive position, widen the gap created, and destroy the continuity of his positions.
Phase line -
A line used for control and coordination of military operations. It is usually a recognizable terrain feature extending across the zone of action. Units normally report crossing PLs, but do not halt unless specifically directed. PLs often are used to prescribe the timing of delay operations.
Possible -
Information or intelligence reported by only one independent source is classified as possibly true. The test for independence is certainty that the information report of a source was not derived from some other source, usually resulting in reliance on original reporting. A classification of possibly true cannot be based on analytical judgment alone.
Priority intelligence requirement -
An intelligence requirement associated with a decision that will affect the overall success of the command's mission. PIR are a subset of intelligence requirements of a higher priority than information requirements. PIR are prioritized among themselves and may change in priority over the course of the operation's conduct. Only the commander designates PIR.
Probable -
Information or intelligence reported by two independent sources is classified as probably true. The test for independence is certainty that the information report of one source was not derived from the other source, usually resulting in reliance on original reporting. Analytical judgment counts as one source. Ensure that no more than one source is based solely on analytical judgment.
Radio electronic combat -
A term sometimes used to denote electronic warfare operations in non-NATO armed forces.
Reconnaissance -
A mission undertaken to obtain information by visual observation, or other detection methods, about the activities and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or about the meteorologic, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular area. Reconnaissance differs from surveillance primarily in duration of the mission.
- Restricted -
A classification indicating terrain that hinders movement. Little effort is needed to enhance mobility through restricted terrain but units may have difficulty maintaining preferred speeds, moving in combat formations, or transitioning from one formation to another. A force can generally use administrative or march formations through restricted terrain with only minimal delay.
Retirement -
A retrograde operation in which a force out of contact moves away from the enemy.
Retrograde -
An organized movement to the rear or away from the enemy. It may be forced by the enemy or may be made voluntarily. Such movements may be classified as withdrawal, retirement, or delaying operations.
Sequel -
Major operations that follow an initial major operation. Plans for sequels are based on the possible outcome--victory, stalemate, or defeat--of the current operation.
Severely restricted -
A classification indicating terrain that severely hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some effort is made to enhance mobility. Severely restricted terrain includes manmade obstacles, such as minefield and cities, as well as natural barriers. Severely restricted terrain generally slows or impedes administrative and march formations.
Situation map -
A recording device used as an aid in situation development and pattern analysis. See
FM 34-3.
Situation template -
Depictions of assumed threat dispositions, based on threat doctrine and the effects of the battlefield, if the threat should adopt a particular COA. In effect, they are the doctrinal templates depicting a particular operation modified to account for the effects of the battlefield environment and the threat's current situation (training and experience levels, logistic status, losses, dispositions). Normally, the situation template depicts threat units two levels of command below the friendly force as well as the expected locations of HVTs. Situation templates use TPLs to indicate movement of forces and the expected flow of the operation. Usually, the situation template depicts a critical point in the COA. Situation templates are one part of a threat COA model. Models may contain more than one situation template.
Sortie -
One aircraft making one takeoff and one landing; an operational flight by one aircraft. Hence, six sorties may be one flight each by six different aircraft, or six flights by a single aircraft. Threat air capabilities are often stated in terms of the number of sorties per day by a particular type of aircraft. They are based on an evaluation of the available number of aircraft and aircrews (ideally more than one crew per aircraft), and the threat's maintenance, logistics, and training status.
Specific information requirement -
Specific information requirements describe the information required to answer all or part of an intelligence requirement. A complete SIR describes the information required, the location where the required information can be collected, and the time during which it can be collected. Generally, each intelligence requirement generates sets of SIRs.
Specific order or request -
The order or request that generates planning and execution of a collection mission or analysis of data base information. SORs sent to subordinate commands are orders. SORs sent to other commands are requests. SORs often use system-specific message formats but also include standard military OPORDs and FRAGOs.
Surveillance -
The systematic observation of airspace or surface areas by visual, aural, photographic, or other means. Surveillance differs from reconnaissance primarily in duration of the mission.
Tank regiment -
Name of a maneuver unit normally consisting of three tank battalions, one mechanized infantry battalion, one artillery battalion, and enough CS and CSS assets to make it capable of independent action for at least limited periods of time.
Target area of interest -
The geographical area where HVTs can be acquired and engaged by friendly forces. Not all TAIs will form part of the friendly COA; only TAIs associated with HPTs are of interest to the staff. These are identified during staff planning and wargaming. TAIs differ from engagement areas in degree. Engagement areas plan for the use of all available weapons; TAIs might be engaged by a single weapon.
Threat course of action model -
A model of one COA available to the threat. It consists of a graphic depiction (situation template); a description (narrative or matrix); and a listing of assets important to the success of the COA (HVTs). The degree of detail in the model depends on available time. Ideally, threat COA models address all BOSs. At a minimum, threat COA models address the five standard elements of a COA: WHAT (the type of operation), WHEN (in this case, the earliest time the action can begin), WHERE (boundaries, axis), HOW (the use of assets), and WHY (the purpose or desired end- state). Threat COA models should also meet the tests of suitability, feasibility, acceptability, uniqueness, and consistency with doctrine (see Chapter 2). Threat COAs are derived from capabilities.
Threat model -
A model of the threat force's doctrine and TTPs for the conduct of a particular operation. Threat models are based on a study of all available information, structured by the OB factors, of the particular threat force under consideration. Ideally, threat models consider all BOSs in detail. Threat models are normally prepared prior to deployment.
Time phase line -
A line used to represent the movement of forces or the flow of an operation over time. It usually represents the location of forces at various increments of time, such as lines that show unit locations at 2-hour intervals. TPLs should account for the effects of the battlefield environment and the anticipated effects of contact with other forces. For example, TPLs depicting threat movement through an area occupied by friendly forces should use movement rates based on a force in contact with the enemy rather than convoy movement speeds.
Universal transverse mercator -
The geographical coordinate system used by Army and Marine ground forces. Named for the Flemish cartographer Gerhardus Mercator (1512-1594).
UNRESTRICTED -
A classification indicating terrain that is free of restrictions to movement.
Withdrawal -
A retrograde operation in which a force in contact with the enemy frees itself for a new mission.
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