Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace

Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace is a methodology, leading to a series of action, to gather information needed for the successful conduct of battle. Battlespace implies that the preparation is not only of an area on the ground, but preparation for long-distance air, artillery and missile fire support; reconnaissance and surveillance by methods from scouts and informants all the way up to nationally managed satellitesl; and the political management of alliances.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff define it as "An analytical methodology employed to reduce uncertainties concerning the enemy, environment, and terrain for all types of operations. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace builds an extensive database for each potential area in which a unit may be required to operate. The database is then analyzed in detail to determine the impact of the enemy, environment, and terrain on operations and presents it in graphic form. Intelligence preparation of the battlespace is a continuing process. Also called IPB." In 1994, the U.S. Army described a more specific doctrine,

Commander's intent

The commander describes, for staff work, the environment and the proposed courses of action. There are four basic steps:

1. Define the battlespace environment
2. Describe the battlespace's effects: Operations in rugged terrain high mountains with hot summers, as in Afghanistan, is very different from cold weather, as in the Falklands, which is very different than hot weather with a good road network, as in Iraq.
3. Evaluate the threat
4. Decide on courses of action

Each of these will require considerable staff work.