MS202L10 Intro to Terrain Analysis SRs PDF

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MS202: Army Doctrine and Decision Making Lesson 10: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Revision Date: 30 September 2020 Student Reading

Pre-Class Readings NOTE: The readings enclosed in this handout are excerpts from a variety of sources. Some of these sources include Army doctrine with a direct correlation to the regulatory expectations of the content discussed, while other sources may include products from industry, having an indirect, yet relevant correlation. Regardless, these readings serve as formative information resources towards instilling a foundation of knowledge on the subject(s) that will be discussed in future classes. Please reference the following pages, as shown in the Table of Contents below and engage the reading in the manner prescribed (i.e. read, skim, or review). Table of Contents

Read: ATP 3-21.8 Infantry Platoon and Squad, 12 Apr 2016; App A, pp. A-9 through A-17, para A36 through A-64 Read: ATP 2-01.3 Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, 1 March 2019; Ch 4, pp. 4-5 through 4-22, para 4-8 through 4-68

Planning

Analysis of Terrain and Weather A-36. When analyzing terrain, leaders consider manmade features and effects on natural terrain features and climate. Leaders also consider the effects of manmade and natural terrain in conjunction with the weather on friendly and enemy operations. In general, terrain and weather do not favor one side over the other unless one is better prepared to operate in the environment or is more familiar with it. The terrain, however, may favor defending or attacking. Analysis of terrain answers the question: What is the terrain’s effect on the operation? Leaders analyze terrain using the categories of OAKOC. A-37. From the modified combined obstacle overlay (MCOO) developed by higher headquarters, leaders already appreciate the general nature of the ground and effects of weather. However, they must conduct their own detailed analyses to determine how terrain and weather uniquely affects their units' missions and the enemy. They must go beyond merely passing along the MCOO to their subordinate leaders and making general $SULO

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Appendix A

observations of the terrain such as "This is high ground," or "This is a stream." They must determine how the terrain and weather will affect the enemy and their units. Additionally, they apply these conclusions when they develop COA for both enemy forces and their units. At company level and below, leaders develop a graphic terrain analysis overlay. This product is similar to the MCOO in it shows the critical military aspects of terrain. Not only does it facilitate planning, but it also aids in briefing subordinates.

Defined Operational Environment A-38. Leaders to have starting points for terrain analysis must first define their operational environment. They must know their areas of operation and areas of interest: z Areas of operation. Higher commanders use boundaries to define their platoons’ and companies' areas of operations. Assigning areas of operations to subordinates lets the subordinates use their initiative and supports decentralized execution. z Area of interest. An area of interest is a geographical area, usually larger than the leader's area of operation. The area of interest includes threat forces or other elements characterizing the operational environment and greatly influencing the accomplishment of the mission.

Prioritization of Terrain Analysis A-39. Limited planning time forces leaders to prioritize their terrain analyses. For example, in the conduct of attacks, leaders might prioritize the areas immediately around their objective for analysis, followed by the platoon’s specific axis leading to the objective. Given more time, they might analyze the remainder of their platoons area of operation and area of interest.

Visual Aids A-40. Leaders prepare a graphic depiction of terrain to help explain their findings about the effects of terrain and weather on the mission. The graphic depiction of terrain can be a photograph, overlay for a map sheet, or a terrain model. In it, leaders show terrain mobility classifications, key terrain, intervisibility lines, known obstacles, avenues of approach, and mobility corridors.

OAKOC A-41. Military aspects of terrain OAKOC are used to analyze the ground. The sequence can vary. The leader determines the effects of each aspect of terrain on both friendly and enemy forces. These effects translate directly into conclusions applying to friendly or enemy COA. Even if time is tight, the leader should allocate as much time as possible to factor, starting at the objective area, and analyzing other aspects of key terrain. Terrain and weather are the most important aspects. Conclusions include at least the following: z Template of enemy forces and essential weapon systems. z Positioning of own assets. z Understanding of time and space relationships of events, leading to thorough contingency plans. A-10

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z z

Echeloning and identifying of enemy observation and indirect fires. Selecting of movement techniques and formations, to include when to transition to tactical maneuver.

Obstacles A-42. Leaders identify existing (inherent to terrain and either natural or man-made) and reinforcing (tactical or protective) obstacles limiting mobility in his area of operation. Reinforcing obstacles are constructed, emplaced, or detonated by military force: z Existing obstacles, natural include rivers; forests; mountains; ravines; gaps and ditches more than three meters wide; tree stumps and large rocks more than 18 inches high; forests with trees eight inches or more in diameter, with less than four meters between trees. z Existing obstacles, man-made include towns; canals; railroad embankments; buildings; power lines; telephone lines. z Reinforcing obstacles, tactical—tactical (reinforcing) obstacles inhibit the ability of the opposing force to move, mass, and reinforce. Examples include mine fields (conventional and situational); antitank ditches; wire obstacles. z Reinforcing obstacles, protective (reinforcing) obstacles offer close-in protection and are important to survivability. z Offensive considerations when analyzing obstacles and restricted terrain:  How is the enemy using obstacles and restricted terrain features?  What is the composition of the enemy's reinforcing obstacles?  How will obstacles and terrain affect the movement or maneuver of the unit?  If necessary, how can I avoid such features?  How do I detect and, if desired, bypass the obstacles?  Where has the enemy positioned weapons to cover the obstacles, and what type of weapons is he using?  If I must support a breach, where is the expected breach site and where will the enemy be overwatching the obstacle?  How will the terrain affect the employment of mortars, medium machine guns, and Javelin missiles? z Defensive considerations when analyzing obstacles and restricted terrain:  Where does the enemy want to go? Where can I kill him? How do I get him to go there?  How will existing obstacles and restricted terrain affect the enemy?  How can I use these features to force the enemy into its engagement area, deny him an avenue, or disrupt his movement?  How will the terrain affect the employment of mortars, medium machine guns, and Javelin missiles? z Categories of terrain, unrestricted—terrain free of restrictions to movement, so no actions are needed to enhance mobility. For armored forces, unrestricted terrain typically is flat or moderately sloped, with scattered or widely spaced obstacles such $SULO

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Appendix A

z

z

as trees or rocks. This terrain generally allows wide maneuver and offers unlimited travel over well-developed road networks. It allows the platoon and squads to move with little hindrance. Categories of terrain, restricted—terrain hindering movement somewhat. Little effort is needed to enhance mobility, but units might have to zigzag or make frequent detours. They could have a hard time maintaining optimum speed, moving in some types of combat formations, or transitioning from one formation to another. For armored forces, restricted terrain typically means moderate to steep slopes or moderate to dense spacing of obstacles such as trees, rocks, or buildings. Swamps and rugged ground are two examples of restricted terrain for Infantry forces. Poorly developed road systems may hamper logistical or rear area movement. Categories of terrain, severely restricted—terrain which severely hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some effort is made to enhance mobility. Engineer forces might be needed to improve mobility or platoon and squads might have to deviate from doctrinal tactics. For example, they might have to move in columns rather than in lines. Or, they might have to move much more slowly than they would like. For armored forces, steep slopes, densely spaced obstacles, and absence of a developed road system characterize severely restricted terrain.

Avenues of Approach A-43. An avenue of approach is an air or ground route of an attacking force leading to an objective or key terrain. Avenues of approach are classified by type (mounted, dismounted, air, or subterranean), formation, and speed of the largest unit traveling on it. A-44. The leader groups mutually supporting mobility corridors to form an avenue of approach. If he has no mutually supporting mobility corridors, then a single mobility corridor might become an avenue of approach. Avenues of approach are classified the same as mobility corridors. After identifying these avenues, the leader evaluates each and determines its importance. A-45. Offensive considerations the leader can include in his evaluation of avenues of approach: z How can I use each avenue of approach to support my movement and maneuver? z How will each avenue support movement techniques, formations and, once we make enemy contact, maneuver? z Will variations in trafficability force changes in formations or movement techniques, or require clearance of restricted terrain? z What are the advantages and disadvantages of each avenue? z What are the enemy's likely counterattack routes? z What lateral routes could we use to shift to other axes, and which could the enemy use to threaten our flanks? z How will each avenue of approach affect the rate of movement of each type force? A-46. Defensive considerations the leader can include in his evaluation of avenues of approach: z What are all likely enemy avenues into my area of operations? A-12

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z z z

How can the enemy use each avenue of approach? What lateral routes could the enemy use to threaten our flanks? What avenues would support a friendly counterattack or repositioning of forces?

Key Terrain A-47. Key terrain is locations or areas whose seizure, retention, or control gives a marked advantage to either combatant. It is a conclusion, usually arrived at after enemy analysis and COA development, rather than an observation. A-48. A prominent hilltop overlooking an avenue of approach might or might not be key terrain. Even if it offers clear observation and fields of fire, it offers nothing if the enemy can easily bypass it, or if the selected course of action involves maneuver on a different avenue of approach. However, if it offers cover and concealment, observation, and good fields of fire on multiple avenues of approach, or on the only avenue of approach, then it offers a definite advantage to whoever controls it. A-49. The leader must assess what terrain is essential to mission accomplishment. Another example of essential terrain for a platoon and squad in the attack is high ground overlooking the enemy's reverse-slope defense. Controlling this area could prove critical in establishing a support-by-fire position to protect a breach force. A-50. Decisive terrain. Leaders also must determine if terrain is decisive. This is key terrain which seizure, retention, or control is necessary for mission accomplishment. Some situations have no decisive terrain. If a leader identifies terrain as decisive, this means he recognizes seizing or retaining it is necessary to accomplish the mission. A-51. Tactical considerations in analyzing key terrain. Terrain is important for friendly observation, both for commanding and controlling and for calling for fire? What terrain is important to the enemy and why? Is it important to me? What terrain has higher headquarters named as key? Is this terrain also important to the enemy? Is the enemy controlling this key terrain? How do I gain or maintain control of key terrain? What terrain is essential for communications nodes dictating the employment of digital communications equipment?

Observation and Fields of Fire A-52. The leader identifies locations along each avenue of approach providing clear observation and fields of fire for both the attacker and defender. He analyzes the area surrounding key terrain, objectives, engagement area, and obstacles. He locates intervisibility lines (ridges or horizons which can hide equipment or personnel from observation). He assesses the ability of the attacking force to overwatch or support movement (with direct fire). An intervisibility line analysis enables the leader to visualize the profile view of terrain when only a topographic product (map) is provided. A-53. In analyzing fields of fire, he considers the friendly and enemy potential to cover avenues of approach and key terrain, in particular, with direct fires. He also identifies positions where artillery observers can call for indirect fire. The observer must observe both the impact and effects of indirect fires. He analyzes if vegetation will affect the $SULO

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Appendix A

employment or trajectory of the Javelin, or 60-mm mortars. It can do this by masking the target or by reducing overhead clearance. When possible, the observer conducts a ground reconnaissance from both enemy and friendly perspectives. He might do it personally, by map, or with his subordinate units, or he can use the assets and information provided by the battalion reconnaissance platoon. This reconnaissance helps him to see the ground objectively and to see how it will affect both forces. A-54. Offensive considerations in analyzing observation and fields of fire include: z Are clear observation and fields of fire available on or near the objective for enemy observers and weapon systems? z Where can the enemy concentrate fires? z Where will the enemy be unable to concentrate fires? z Where is the enemy vulnerable? z Where can I support the movement of a friendly force with mortar, medium machine gun, or Javelin? z Where can friendly forces conduct support by fire or assault by fire? z Where are the natural target registration points? z Where do I position indirect fire observers? A-55. Defensive considerations in analyzing observation and fields of fire: z What locations have clear observation and fields of fire along enemy avenues of approach? z Where will the enemy establish firing lines or support-by-fire positions? z Where will I be unable to mass fires? z Where is the dead space in my area of operations? Where am I vulnerable? z Where are the natural target registration points? z Where can I destroy the enemy? Can I observe and fire on his location with at least two-thirds of my combat power? z How obvious are these positions to the enemy? z Where do I position indirect fire observers?

Cover and Concealment A-56. Leaders look at the terrain, foliage, structures, and other features along avenues of approach (and on objectives or key terrain) to identify sites offering cover (protection from the effects of direct and indirect fire) and concealment (protection from observation). In the defense, weapon positions must be both lethal to the enemy and survivable to the Soldier. Cover and concealment is just as vital as clear fields of fire. Cover and concealment can be either part of the environment or something brought in by the unit to create the desired effect. Both offensive and defensive considerations must be made: z Offensive considerations include:  What axes afford both clear fields of fire and cover and concealment?  Which terrain provides bounding elements with cover and concealment while increasing lethality?

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z 

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Defensive considerations include: What locations afford cover and concealment as well as good observation and fields of fire? How can friendly and enemy forces use the available cover and concealment?

CONCLUSIONS FROM TERRAIN ANALYSIS A-57. Terrain analysis should produce several specific conclusions: z Battle, support by fire, and assault by fire positions. z Engagement areas and ambush sites. z Immediate and intermediate objectives. z Asset locations such as enemy command posts or ammunition caches. z Assembly areas. z Observation posts. z Artillery firing positions. z Air defense artillery system positions. z Reconnaissance, surveillance, and target-acquisition positions. z Forward area arming and refueling points. z Landing and drop zones. z Breach locations. z Infiltration lanes.

FIVE MILITARY ASPECTS OF WEATHER A-58. The five military aspects of weather are visibility; winds; precipitation; cloud cover; and temperature and humidity. Consideration of the weather's effects is an essential part of the leader's mission analysis. The leader goes past observing to application. He determines how the weather will affect the visibility, mobility, and survivability of his unit and that of the enemy. He reviews his commander's conclusions and identifies his own. He applies the results to the friendly and enemy COA he develops.

Visibility A-59. The leader identifies critical conclusions about visibility factors such as light data, fog, and smog; and about battlefield obscurants such as smoke and dust. He considers light data and identifies critical conclusions about BMNT, sunrise, sunset, EENT, moonrise, moonset, and percentage of illumination. Some additional visibility considerations include: z Will the sun rise behind my attack or in my eyes? Will I attack toward the sunrise? z How can I take advantage of the limited illumination? z How will this affect friendly and enemy target acquisition? z Will the current weather favor the use of smoke to obscure during breaching? z When are night vision devices effective?

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Appendix A

Winds A-60. Winds of sufficient speed can reduce the combat effectiveness of a force downwind as the result of blowing dust, obscurants, sand, or precipitation. The upwind force usually has better visibility. CBRN operations usually favor the upwind force. Windblown sand, dust, rain, or snow can reduce the effectiveness of radar and other communication systems. Strong winds also can hamper the efficiency of directional antenna systems by inducing antenna wobble. Strong winds and wind turbulence limit airborne, air assault, and aviation operations. A-61. Evaluation of weather in support of these operations requires information on the wind at the surface as well as at varying altitudes. Near the ground, high winds increase turbulence and may inhibit maneuver. At greater altitudes, it can increase or reduce fuel consumption. Wind always is described as "from…to" as in "winds are from the east moving to the west." The leader must answer these questions: z Will wind speed cause obscurants to dissipate quickly? z Will wind speed and direction favor enemy use of obscurants? z Will wind speed and direction affect the employment of available mortars? z What is the potential for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination?

Precipitation A-62. Precipitation affects soi...