Expanding the Approach to Urban IPB
Abstract
The inability of the intelligence system to prepare tactical commanders for the uncertainty of urban environments brought into question whether tactical intelligence is equipped to meet the needs for relevance, granularity, and timeliness. Proposed solutions continue to remain in the realm of force structure, equipment and training. But there is a lack of dialogue on Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) for urban operations. Urban IPB is recognized as a clear challenge for all ground combat forces and has prompted responses to address shortcomings. It requires another alternative approach in order to address urban complexity. The four-step IPB is inadequate in light of the resources that could be available to analyze this problem. There is an opportunity to address potential solutions, which lie in integrating theory, particularly understanding population dynamics in urban areas, more openly into doctrine. Consolidating urban IPB doctrine is an interim step to clarify approaches to analyzing urban centers but more importantly, help provide the basis to initiate analysis. Incorporating Joint Forces Command's Operational Net Assessment (ONA) provides a means to organize resources to support urban IPB and a way to apply examine and understand urban environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435970
Entities
People
- Peter S. Im
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College