Operational Level Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield for Special Operations Forces
Abstract
Although each of the services Special Operations Forces (SOF) have established procedures for some type of Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) process at the tactical level, there is currently no product which addresses joint SOF operational level IPB requirements. Additionally, it is not uncommon to observe a duality of effort in the IPB process with the Joint Task Force (JTF) commander and Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) commander each receiving separately developed IPB products. This duality can and does often result in a loss of synergy and reflects a lack of unity of effort. Lastly, there appears to be some question as to how the IPB process can aid the JTF commander in the selection of appropriate SOF targets. Operational level IPB for the JSOTF commander requires a degree of detail normally considered to be at the tactical level by conventional forces. As a result, the JSOTF commander's IPB requirements will not be satisfied by traditional operational level IPB analysis provided to the JTF commander. In the interest of unity of effort and economy of force, IPB support for the JSOTF commander is best accomplished by utilizing the IPB analysis provided to the JTF commander as a baseline, and developing supplemental SOF mission specific IPB analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363167
Entities
People
- E. L. Scofield
Organizations
- Naval War College