## Exercise Design November 2010



DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

## Headquarters, Department Of The Army



         This publication is available at
 Army Knowledge Online (www.us.army.mil);
General Dennis J. Reimer Training and Doctrine
   Digital Library (http://www.train.army.mil).

## Exercise Design Contents

Page

PREFACE ........v


INTRODUCTION ........vii

Chapter 1
RESPONSIBILITIES ........ 1-1
Chapter 2
EXERCISE DESIGN SEQUENCE ........ 2-1
Section I - Phase 1: Initial Planning ........ 2-2
Tools ........ 2-2 Key Decisions ........ 2-3 Products ........ 2-4 Section II - Phase 2: Task and Countertask Development ........ 2-5
Who ........ 2-5 Tools ........ 2-5 Key Decisions ........ 2-5
Products ........ 2-11 Section III - Phase 3: PMESII-PT Operational Environment Development 2-11 Tools........ 2-12 Key Decisions ........ 2-16
Products ........ 2-22 Section IV - Phase 4: Orders, Plans, and Instruction Development ........ 2-22
Tools........ 2-23 Key Decisions ........ 2-23
Products ........ 2-24
Section V - Summary ........ 2-27
Chapter 3
OPERATIONAL VARIABLES ........ 3-1
Operational Environment ........ 3-1
Variables, Subvariables, and Settings ........ 3-1
Political Variable ........ 3-2 Military Variable ........ 3-6 Economic Variable........ 3-12 Social Variable........ 3-15 Information Variable ........ 3-20

## Preface



This training circular (TC) outlines a methodology for designing and executing training exercises. It describes planning procedures and methodologies, responsibilities, and analysis for those who plan and control Army exercises intended as culminating collective training events that critically assess unit-training status. Collective training is part of unit training. It is performance oriented and a command responsibility executed by leaders at all echelons. As a continuous process executed in accordance with a formal training program, collective training trains units and teams on tasks and missions they are expected to perform. It is executed in a crawl-walkrun approach and reaches across all training domains and integrated live, virtual, constructive, and gaming training environments.



This publication applies to the Active Army, the Army National Guard (ARNG)/Army National Guard of the United States (ARNGUS), and the United States Army Reserve (USAR) unless otherwise stated.



Headquarters, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is the proponent for this TC. The preparing agency is the Contemporary Operational Environment and Threat Integration Directorate (CTID), TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support Activity (TRISA)Threats. Send comments and suggested improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to CTID at the following address: Director, CTID, TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support ActivityThreats, ATTN: ATIN-T (Bldg 53), 700 Scott Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027-1323. This publication is available at Army Knowledge Online
(AKO) at http://www.us.army.mil and the Reimer Digital Library at http://www.train.army.mil.



Readers should monitor those sites and also the TRADOC G2-TRISA Website at: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14705412 (AKO access required) for the status of this TC and information regarding updates. Periodic updates, subject to the normal approval process, will occur as a result of the normal production cycle. The date on the cover and title page of the electronic version will reflect the latest update.



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## Introduction



This training circular (TC) outlines a methodology for designing and executing training exercises. It describes planning procedures and methodologies, responsibilities, and analysis for those who plan and control Army exercises intended as culminating collective training events that critically assess unit-training status. The objective of exercise design is to structure a training event that establishes the conditions to facilitate performanceoriented training on properly selected, directed, and mission essential training objectives. The references section of this TC contains a listing of publications pertaining and relating to this publication.

The glossary contains abbreviations and special terms used in this TC.



This TC is a planning and design tool that significantly enhances an exercise planner's ability to produce an operational environment (OE) that achieves desired unit training objectives while fielding a challenging opposing force (OPFOR) consistent with Hybrid Threat OPFOR doctrine as described in the TC 7-100 series. This TC provides the exercise planner with a backbone methodology for scenario development and establishment of the exercise OE. The approach to exercise design and analysis is sequential and structured to get the planner to the "bottom-line" as quickly as possible.



Figure 1 shows the tools necessary and available for the design of a training exercise. While the process is sequential, many of the steps and procedures are developed concurrently and may overlap (see chapter 2). This TC is meant to be used in conjunction with the 7-100 series as well as the other publications listed in figure 1.

These tools can be found at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14705412. Together, these tools outline an OPFOR than can cover the full spectrum of military and paramilitary capabilities against which the Army must train to ensure success in the types of OEs it can expect to encounter now and in the clearly foreseeable future.



The processes described in this TC are applicable to any number of exercise venues to include field training exercises, command post exercises, and simulations. They can also be used in the development of mission rehearsal exercises (MRXs). The operational variables (political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time [PMESII-PT]) and the settings for their subvariables, as described in chapter 3, can be used to develop OEs for exercises or for describing actual OEs portrayed in MRXs.

## Introduction

Each chapter of the TC covers a specific aspect of exercise design. The exercise planner should become familiar with each chapter.



In order to train against a realistic threat and in a realistic OE, the OE must be dynamic. By using the PMESII- PT variables and incorporating them into every aspect of the scenario, the training unit will experience a realistic and challenging exercise every time. This TC describes the roles and responsibilities of the senior trainer, exercise director, and exercise planner; the importance of quality training objectives, the steps to designing an exercise; and the theory behind exercise design. The bottom line is that this TC gives planners the tools to provide the correct exercise conditions for the training unit's training objectives, resulting in effective training.

## Chapter 1 Responsibilities



This chapter establishes the responsibilities for exercise development. The senior trainer, the exercise director and the exercise planner are the individuals primarily responsible for exercise development and execution. Table 1-1 provides an example of how a unit can determine who will be the senior trainer, exercise director, and exercise planner for various levels of organizations.



Training
Unit
Senior
Trainer
Exercise
Director
Exercise
Planner
Division
Corps Cdr
J7
J7 Ops
Joint Training Exercise
COG/Ops
CTC Training Exercise
Brigade
Division Cdr
Combat Training Center CG
Battalion
Brigade Cdr
Division G3
G3 Training
Active Component Home Station Training Exercise
G3 Training

Battalion
Brigade Cdr
Training Support Battalion Cdr
Reserve Component Home Station Training Exercise



1-1. The senior trainer is the commander of the parent organization of the unit being trained. This commander has two major overall training responsibilities: develop Soldiers and leaders for future responsibilities and prepare his unit to accomplish the assigned mission. In the absence of a directed mission, commanders must prepare their unit to perform those core missions the unit was doctrinally designed to execute across the full range of military operations.



1-2. The senior trainer conducts the first, and most important, step in creating the tools necessary for exercise design. He determines the exact troop list for the training unit. When establishing the troop list, the senior trainer should



Identify the task organization of the unit to be trained.

Complete task-organizing, to include types and numbers of equipment.



Ideally, training level and maintenance history should be included.


Identify key echelons to be trained.


Multi-echelon training leaves many out of training if not planned for early.


Lock in troop list early.



Late changes may require a scenario rewrite and should not be just pasted into the original
scenario.


1-3. The senior trainer determines the training objectives of the exercise. Training objectives are de-

identifies supporting training objectives for each task. According to FM 7-0, each training objective has three parts:



Task. A clearly defined and measurable activity accomplished by individuals and organizations.
Tasks are specific activities that contribute to the accomplishment of encompassing missions or
other requirements.



Condition(s). Those variables of an operational environment or situation in which a unit, system, or individual is expected to operate and may affect performance. (JP 1-02)



Standard. A quantitative or qualitative measure and criterion for specifying the levels of performance of a task. (FM 7-0)


1-4. The senior trainer ensures the unit refers to the applicable documents to identify the conditions and standards for its essential tasks. The documents listed in figure 1-1 will assist units in developing collective and individual training objectives.

## Applicable Documents

- Combined Arms Training Strategy (CATS).


- Soldiers manuals. - Soldier training publications.


- DA Pam 350-38, Standards in Training Commission
(STRAC).

- Deployment or mobilization plans.


- AUTL (Army Universal Task List).

- UJTL (Universal Joint Task List). - Army, major command, and local regulations.


- Local standing operating procedures (SOP).


1-5. The senior trainer, in conjunction with the commander of the unit to be trained, conducts an assessment of the current training state of the unit immediately prior to the exercise. This anticipated training condition of the unit, as it enters the exercise, is expressed as trained (T), partially trained (P), or untrained
(U). (See FM 7-0.)


1-6. The senior trainer, along with the commander of the training unit, must bring the following tools to the initial planning: the troop list, the proposed training objectives (METL), the proposed conditions for the training objective tasks, and the commander's assessment. (See figure 1-2.) During the analysis of these tools, discussion and negotiations of the initial planning phase, the senior trainer will issue guidance.



1-7. The exercise director is an officer of at least equal but preferred to be one grade higher than the senior trainer and is not part of the tactical chain of command of the training unit. However, during singleservice Army exercises conducted largely with unit internal resources and not intended to be a culminating training event, the exercise director and senior trainer may be the same officer.


1-8. The exercise director


Creates and enforces the essential conditions called for by the training objectives. He is ultimately responsible for approving the combination of settings for the operational variables selected by the exercise planner.



Ensures an effective training environment to create the most realistic training. He emplaces a
strong safety program and develops and coordinates training events that synchronize training
areas and facilities, training support systems products and services, opposing force (OPFOR),
observer/controllers, evaluators, and all other resources to support the required conditions. Figure 1-3 on page 1-4 shows training events the exercise director will typically develop.


Acts as honest broker and ensures a level playing field. The exercise director enforces use of OPFOR doctrine and exercise rules of engagement (EXROE). The exercise director achieves
these primarily through a well-trained and properly resourced observer/controller organization.
- Joint Training Exercise
- Combined Training Exercise
- Situational Training Exercise
- Tactical Exercise Without Troops
- Command Field Exercises
- Deployment Exercise
- Logistic Exercise
- Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise


- Live Fire Exercise
- Field Training Exercise
- Map Exercise
- Fire Coordination Exercise
- CTC Rotations
- Battle Command Training Program
- Mission Rehearsal Exercise
Warfighter Exercise


1-9. The exercise planner is typically an officer tasked with the actual creation of the exercise and its conditions. He incorporates the training objectives, desired training conditions, resources available, commander's evaluation, and guidance from the exercise director into a cohesive exercise design. The exercise planner will



Develop the exercise scenario. Using exercise parameters as discussed in chapter 2, and the methodologies outlined in this TC, the exercise planner develops reasonable courses of action for both the training unit and OPFOR consistent with the TC 7-100 series and the selected operational environment (OE). However, if the training event is an MRX, the OPFOR should have maximum fidelity to a known enemy force in the actual OE for which the training unit is being prepared for deployment. Regardless of the type of training event, the planner builds an exercise framework, which contains the critical facts and conditions for the exercise. The exercise planner must keep in mind that, although the sequence of events that lead to the execution of a mission during training may be scripted and controlled, once the conditions for the mission are met and the unit begins mission execution, the events should be allowed to move along their natural
course. He ensures that there is the least possible restraint on exercise conditions consistent with the training objectives that will allow leaders to realize the full consequences of their decisions.


Determine the settings for the operational variables (political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment and time [PMESII-PT]), establishing a framework
to build a dynamic and realistic OE. (See chapters 2 and 3.)


Develop all orders, plans and instructions associated with the exercise to include the road to war,
the training unit's orders and plans (parent unit and higher), OPFOR combat instructions (orders), and role-player instructions. During MRXs, the exercise planner may be responsible for development and coordination of controlled scripted events normally executed by OPFOR and other role-players.



Develop concept briefings and interim progress reports and coordinate all aspects of the exercise closely with the exercise director to ensure compliance with guidance, support of the exercise
training objectives and adherence to OPFOR doctrine.



Exercise caution when using material from prior exercises. This TC was developed specifically
to provide the exercise planner the outline and basic planning considerations necessary to develop coherent and meaningful training exercises based on the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE). Often, when given the assignment to design an exercise, an exercise planner
will dust off a prior exercise and use it without modification. This is common practice and is common sense to use the prior work of those who came before instead of starting from nothing. If using a prior exercise, the exercise planner must view it only as an initial guide and, more importantly, still go through all the steps and use the after action review (AAR) from the prior exercise to prevent repetition of poorly planned or executed scenarios and events.


## Chapter 2 Exercise Design Sequence

There are four phases the exercise planner goes through to develop a collective training event that critically assesses unit training status at any level. The exercise design sequence takes the exercise planner from the initial determination of exercise parameters, through countertask and operational environment (OE) development, and concludes with orders production.



2-1. During phase 1 (initial planning), the training unit and the exercise director determine the exercise parameters to start the design process. Once the design parameters and prioritized training objectives are determined, the focus in phase 2 (task and countertask development) is on developing opposing force (OPFOR) tasks that counter the training unit's training objectives. Once phase 2 is completed, the exercise planner has the necessary tools to create the conditions of the OE in phase 3, (PMESII-PT OE development). Finally, during phase 4 (orders, plans, and instruction development), the exercise planner produces the orders, plans, and instructions that translate the OE decisions that were made in phase 3 into the products necessary for the training unit to conduct the exercise. Table 2-1 shows the exercise design sequence. It lists who should be involved in each phase, what tools are required, what key decisions must be made, and what the final products of the phase will be. Essential to all phases is the understanding of the concept of an OE and all the associated operational variables that affect military operations and training. Chapter 3 will describe, in detail, each operational variable and its subvariables.

Phase 1
Initial Planning
Exercise Design
Sequence
Phase 2
Task and Countertask
Development
- Exercise Planner
- OPFOR Commander


WHO:


- Training Unit
Commander
- Exercise Director - Exercise Planner - Senior Trainer


TOOLS:


- Defined Exercise
Parameters
- Prioritized Training
Objectives (METL)
- TC 7-100 Series - OPFOR Tactical Task
List
- Worldwide Equipment
Guide (WEG)*
- Troop List
- Proposed Training
Objectives
- AUTL/UJTL - Requested Conditions - Commander's Training
Assessment
- Exercise Resources
- Exercise Director's Initial
Guidance


KEY DECISIONS:


- Exercise Timeline
- Type of Exercise
- Operational Theme
- Existing OEA or
Composite OE


- Training Unit Tasks
- OPFOR Countertasks - OPFOR OB*
- OPFOR Task
Organization*
- OPFOR Tier Levels*


PRODUCTS:
- Defined Exercise
Parameters
- Prioritized Training
Objectives (METL)



- Developed Tasks and
Countertasks
- OPFOR OB*
- OPFOR Task
Organization*
- OPFOR Tier Levels*

* Phase 2 is the earliest point at which OPFOR OB and task organization, along with adjustment of OPFOR equipment tiers (using the WEG), could occur. However, this could also begin or be refined in phase 3 or phase 4.



Phase 3
PMESII-PT OE
Development
Phase 4
Orders, Plans, and
Instruction
Development
- Exercise Planner
- Exercise Planner
- Exercise Director


- Defined OE
- TC 7-100 Series
- COA Sketch - OPFOR OB


- OE Assessment
(OEA)
- PMESII-PT
Subvariables
- Prioritized Training
Objectives (METL)
- OPFOR Countertasks
- OE/WFF Analysis
Matrix



- PMESII-PT
Subvariable Selection
- Common Processes - Key Events


- Chronology of Key
Events
- C-,M- and D-Day
- STARTEX - Disposition of
Forces


- OE/WFF Analysis
- Refined Training
Objectives and Task Organization
- Developed OE



- Higher Unit
OPLANs and Orders
- OPFOR Orders - ROE
- Role-Player
Instructions
- Road to War

## Section I - Phase 1: Initial Planning



2-2. The initial step in the exercise design process is the most critical. The senior trainer, exercise director, and exercise planner meet for the first time at an initial planning conference to conduct preliminary planning and establish the parameters for the exercise. In many areas of the exercise, there is great uncertainty as to whether a new design will actually do what is desired, and new scenarios often have unexpected problems. The purpose of initial planning is to define and develop the parameters of the exercise. By defining the exercise parameters, certain key decisions can be made, which gives the exercise planner the tools necessary to begin developing the exercise. The initial planning establishes who is to be trained, where they are to be trained, expected training outcomes, and what broad conditions will be replicated in the exercise's OE to meet the training objectives.

## Tools



2-3. The training unit's commander, the exercise director, and the exercise planner must be present at phase 1 for initial planning. During the initial planning phase, the training unit commander must provide the exercise director and exercise planners with the following parameters:



Troop list of unit to be trained.


Proposed training objectives based on HQDA-approved mission essential task list (METL).


Unit-requested conditions.


Available exercise resources (such as training area, support, simulations).


Commander's assessment of the unit's current training status.


2-4. The training unit troop list should identify as closely as possible the actual task organization, number of Soldiers of the units participating in the exercise, and their equipment. The exercise planner needs to identify the key echelons to be trained and lock in the troop list as early as possible in the exercise development process to avoid time-consuming scenario rewrites. Additionally, a list of key leaders, their experience level, recent training, and time in position is helpful in gauging command and staff experience, which may influence training conditions and operational tempo (OPTEMPO).


2-5. Developed from established unit METLs, training objectives represent focal points for the exercise planner when developing courses of action (COAs) and the supporting OE. The accomplishment of the training objectives is the prime reason exercises are conducted. Training objectives are statements that describe the desired outcome of a training activity in the unit (FM 7-0). They consist of tasks, conditions, and standards. The development of training objectives is fully discussed in FM 7-15.



2-6. Some training environments are pre-determined based on the use of "live" training sites such as the maneuver combat training centers (MCTCs) or because units are training for specific situations in specific places (that is, mission rehearsal exercises). However, units participating in simulations or command post exercises (CPXs) may ask that a specific venue be developed to support the units training. The training unit may also request specific conditions in which to perform tasks.


2-7. Resources to be considered by the exercise planner include



The amount of time available to complete the training.


Support personnel required.


Simulations available.

Observer-controller support.



OPFOR augmentation.


Transportation assets.


Available training areas.


       Training facilities.
The amount of available resources can limit the size or number of live training events (for example, field
training and live fire exercises), requiring commanders to substitute a mix of virtual and constructive simu-
lation exercises.



2-8. As discussed in chapter 1, the senior trainer, in conjunction with the commander of the unit to be trained, conducts an assessment of the anticipated training status of the training unit immediately prior to the exercise. This training condition of the unit as it enters the exercise is expressed as T-P-U (trained, needs practice, and untrained) in accordance with FM 7-0. This status provides the exercise planner and/or OPFOR commander critical information on the proper mix of OPFOR units and other conditions needed for the exercise.



2-9. It is essential that the exercise director is involved throughout the entire exercise planning process and especially during phase 1. If the exercise director is not involved with the initial key decisions that are made to design the framework of the exercise, problems may evolve later when the exercise director arrives and the exercise is not going as he envisioned. The exercise director must provide initial guidance and also broker the compromises that must often be made in the decisions concerning the proper training objectives to train toward. Often the available resources are not available to meet all the desired training objectives and conditions. Therefore, a decision must be made as to what risk is acceptable in limiting the number of objectives, which can then reduce the level of fidelity of the OE conditions.

## Key Decisions



2-10. Several key decisions need to be made at this point:


What are the time parameters of the exercise?



Will the exercise be live, virtual, constructive, gaming, or a combination?



What is the operational theme?



Will the scenario be based on an existing operational environment assessment (OEA) for an actual OE or a composite OE?



## Time Parameters



2-11. The amount of time allotted for the exercise must be one of the first decisions made before an OE can be designed or fitted to an exercise. The exercise planner must know the length of the exercise in order to develop situations and the fidelity of the OE. For example, if the exercise is only a few days, more information may have to be given to the training unit prior to the start in order for them to do their mission analysis and planning. If the exercise is longer, situations and events can have time to evolve and the training unit will have more opportunities to influence their environments. The exercise planner will be planning the buildup to key events and the consequences and effects of those key events. Depending on the time available, there may not be time to build up to a key event, and there may only be first- or secondorder consequences after a key event.

## Type Of Exercise



2-12. The Army's increased capability to integrate virtual and constructive simulations with live training, and the increased need for joint and multi-echelon training require exercise planners to develop a detailed and consistent OE for each training event. Defining the OE provides top-down coherence, flexibility, and continuity to the exercise and allows interaction at all levels. Depending on the particular training unit, the majority of training exercises will use a combination of live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (L-V-C-G) training enablers. For example, if a brigade combat team (BCT) trains at an MCTC, it may not have its full complement of troops available for the exercise and could be lacking its military intelligence company. Because a BCT cannot train effectively without its intelligence function, the military intelligence company could be simulated by having several intelligence experts communicate to the BCT through its normal communications and data transfer methods. Likewise, an aviation platoon may not have its normal equipment because of fielding or maintenance issues; so it could train virtually on a simulator, with the results transmitted to the BCT through normal communications and data transfer methods. This way, although all the troops and equipment are not available for the exercise, the unit is still able to complete effective collective training.

## Operational Theme



2-13. Selection of the operational theme(s) is a key decision that the exercise director needs to make during the initial planning phase. In coordination with the higher commander, this initial decision is normally completed during the preliminary planning sessions. The operational theme is the character of the dominant major operation being conducted at any time within a land force commander's area of operations. The operational theme helps convey the nature of the major operation to the force to facilitate common understanding of how the commander broadly intends to operate. (FM 3-0)  Operational themes can be selected from the following:



Major combat operations.


Irregular warfare.


Peace operations.

Limited intervention.



Peacetime military engagement.


2-14. The assignment of the operational theme for a training exercise is critical because it helps commanders identify the most important training tasks. It also helps provide the means to coordinate and integrate more focused supporting collective and individual tasks throughout the organization. Depending on the time allotted for the exercise, it may be possible to train sequentially under two different operational themes.

## Operational Environment Assessment



2-15. The decision on whether a training exercise will be based an existing OEA for an actual OE or a composite COE-based OE depends on whether the exercise is the based on a directed or contingency mission. For example, sometimes a training unit is assigned a contingency mission in a particular area of the world; so its training could be based on a real location and OE. Otherwise, the training unit would focus on honing its core tasks. Either way, the OEA is a tool to easily and effectively design the OE for the exercise.

If a particular area of the world is the focus, the TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support Activity (TRISA) has developed several OEAs that can be found on its website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14752839
(AKO access is required). The purpose of the OEAs on the TRISA website is twofold. Each OEA provides a detailed description and analysis of a specific OE and a model for the application of the operational variables (PMESII-PT) to support actual operations or exercises. The PMESII-PT variables, their subvariables, and related impacts are discussed, as well as potential trends in the OE. If no existing OEA corresponds to the OE desired for a particular training exercise, exercise planners can follow the methodology of these real-world examples to create an OEA for the OE associated with the desired geographical area. If an exercise does not require fidelity to an actual OE, exercise planners can modify an existing OEA or design their own composite OE. A composite OE is developed by selecting the subvariable or sub-subvariable settings (from a detailed list found in chapter 3) that best support the training objectives. If the training unit is only focusing on its core tasks, it can also use an existing OEA, modify an existing OEA, or it can design its own composite OE.



Note. In order to meet specific training requirements or unit-requested conditions, the creation of any training event will normally include portions of existing, modified, or composite OEs regardless of whether training is for a contingency mission or core tasks.

## Products


2-16. Products resulting from the initial planning should be defined exercise design parameters based on available resources and METL-based prioritized training objectives.

## Section Ii - Phase 2: Task And Countertask Development



2-17. The purpose of phase 2 is for exercise planners to examine the selected training tasks and conduct an OPFOR countertask analysis in order to counter or stress the training unit. During this phase, it is assumed that the commander of the U.S. unit to be trained has already identified the units he wants trained in the selected tasks.

## Who



2-18. The key players in this phase are the exercise planner and OPFOR commander. Depending on the size and type of exercise, the specific makeup of these planners may change. The OPFOR commander's role in an exercise may be two-fold. That is, he is required to command the OPFOR, but as a trainer he may act in a "white-hat" or neutral capacity for exercise control and the exercise director to ensure the training unit's training objectives are being met. He therefore may be privy to some aspects of the training unit's planning and operations, but required not to use the information to OPFOR tactical advantage. Regardless of who is involved, it is critical that both training unit and OPFOR planners coordinate closely during this phase in order to ensure a cohesive and productive training exercise.

## Tools



2-19. The exercise planner must have the products from phase 1 (the defined exercise parameters and METL-based prioritized unit training objectives). He also must have TC 7-100 series publications and the OPFOR Tactical Task List (see appendix B).



Note. If the nature of the exercise allows the exercise planner to develop the OPFOR OB, task organization, and equipment tier levels during phase 2, this could necessitate the use of the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) as another tool. This tool is discussed under phase 2 only because this is the earliest phase in which it could possibly be used.

## Key Decisions



2-20. While training unit tasks are determined by the unit's METL, the supporting collective and individual tasks on which the exercise will focus must be carefully selected. This selection will drive the selection of appropriate OPFOR countertasks.



Note. In some cases, the exercise planner may be able to proceed from OPFOR countertasks directly to the development of the OPFOR OB, task organization, and equipment tier levels during phase 2. Otherwise, those decisions may need to occur after OE development, in phase 3 or even in phase 4. These actions are discussed under phase 2 only because this is the earliest phase in which they could possibly occur. Even if these decisions are initially made in phase 2, they could be refined during a later phase.

## Opfor Countertasks



2-21. The OPFOR Tactical Task List (see appendix B) is a listing of OPFOR tactical countertasks. From this list, the exercise planner must select the countertasks that match the training unit's tasks. If, for example, the training unit's selected training objectives include overcoming barriers, obstacles and mines, the OPFOR countertask would involve creating barriers or obstacles or emplacing mines. If the training unit's tasks include air defense, then the OPFOR needs to have aviation unit tasks. If the training unit's tasks

include counterinsurgency operations, then the OPFOR should include insurgent tasks. The exercise planner should develop OPFOR countertasks that



Oppose the training unit's training objectives in accordance with the OPFOR Tactical Task List.


Reflect TC 7-100 series doctrine, organizations, and equipment (unless training for a specific
contingency with a specific adversary).



Are appropriate to the training unit troop list, expected training status, and area of operation (AO).


2-22. Once the OPFOR countertasks (or COAs) are selected, the exercise planner aligns training unit tasks with OPFOR countertasks to determine OPFOR missions. For example, in order to arrive at a training unit task of "Actions on Contact" and the OPFOR countertasks of ambush, improvised explosive device (IED), electronic warfare (EW), and indirect fire, the exercise planner studies the required supporting subtasks from the Army Universal Task List (AUTL) in FM 7-15, as shown in table 2-2, to determine what countertasks are required of the OPFOR.

## Table 2-2. Example Training Unit Supporting Subtasks (Actions On Contact) Art 1.2.2.7 Conduct Actions On Contact

| No.                                                                                   | Scale    | Measure                                                    |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                                                    | Yes/No   |                                                            |
| Unit generated and sustained overwhelming combat power at the point of contact if the |          |                                                            |
| element that made contact was able to defeat the enemy unassisted.                    |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 02                                                                                    | Yes/No   |                                                            |
| The generation of overwhelming combat power was the product of the recommended        |          |                                                            |
| course of action to the higher commander.                                             |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 03                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Yes/No                                                                                |          |                                                            |
| Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets were used to develop situation  |          |                                                            |
| without main body being in contact with the enemy.                                    |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 04                                                                                    | Time     | To deploy and report.                                      |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 05                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Time                                                                                  |          |                                                            |
| To evaluate and develop the situation.                                                |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 06                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Time                                                                                  |          |                                                            |
| To choose a course of action (COA).                                                   |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 07                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Time                                                                                  |          |                                                            |
| To execute a selected COA.                                                            |          |                                                            |
| 08                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Time                                                                                  |          |                                                            |
| To recommend a COA to the higher commander.                                           |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 09                                                                                    |          |                                                            |
| Time                                                                                  |          |                                                            |
| To return to previous mission.                                                        |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 10                                                                                    | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue previous mission. |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
| 11                                                                                    | Percent  | Of combat effectiveness of enemy force that made contact.  |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |
|                                                                                       |          |                                                            |


2-23. By studying the assigned task (actions on contact) and its supporting subtasks, the exercise planner can see that the OPFOR required must



Not start with overwhelming combat power, but can get there.


Allow the training unit to use ISR assets to stay out of contact.


Be able to challenge the training unit's ability to carry out its selected COA.

Be able to cause the training unit to not be able to continue its mission.


2-24. In another example, the exercise planner studies the required training unit subtasks of "Conduct Joint Operations Area (JOA) Missile Defense," as shown in table 2-3, in order to determine what countertasks are required of the OPFOR. By studying the assigned task and its subtasks, the exercise planner can see that the OPFOR required must be able to employ ballistic, air-to-surface, and cruise missiles.

## Op 6.1.5 Conduct Joint Operations Area (Joa) Missile Defense

|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|----|----|-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |
|    |    |     |     |     |     |     |

To identify and integrate joint and coalition forces supported by integrated capabilities to detect and destroy enemy theater missiles directed toward the JOA in flight or prior to launch. This task includes disrupting the enemy's theater missile operations through an appropriate mix of mutually supportive passive missile defense, active missile defense, attack operations, and supporting command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) measures.  This task includes providing early warning of theater missile attack to the joint operations area (JOA) as well as distribution of this warning to joint and multinational forces within the operational area.  The term "theater missile" applies to ballistic missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and air-, land-, and sea-launched cruise missiles whose targets are within the joint force commander's (JFC's) operational area.

| No.                                                      | Scale     | Measure                                                          |
|----------------------------------------------------------|-----------|------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M01                                                      | Minutes   | Warning provided to friendly assets prior to threat arrival.     |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M02                                                      | Percent   | Of attacking missiles successfully penetrated friendly defenses. |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M03                                                      | Percent   | Of launched air-to-surface missiles destroyed before impact.     |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M04                                                      | Percent   | Of launched ballistic missiles destroyed before impact.          |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M05                                                      | Percent   | Of launched cruise missiles destroyed before impact.             |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M06                                                      | Percent   | Of theater assets defensible against theater missile threat.     |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M07                                                      | Percent   | Of TMD capability damaged by incoming missile attacks.           |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M08                                                      | Percent   | Of DAL locations defensible against theater missile threat.      |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M09                                                      | Percent   | Of DAL locations, successfully defended.                         |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
| M10                                                      | Instances | Of failure to apply passive missile defense procedures.          |
| TMD = theater missile defense; DAL = defended asset list |           |                                                                  |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |
|                                                          |           |                                                                  |

## Opfor Ob And Task Organization



2-25. An important factor in the continuation of this phase is whether the training unit has a specific realworld OE and the type of exercise selected is deployment related, such as an MRX. If this is the case, then the exercise planner and/or OPFOR commander could continue with building an OPFOR OB to include task organization, since the OE or exercise conditions have already been established. The exception to this is if the deploying training unit also has the OB of the actual enemy force in sufficient resolution to use in conducting the MRX. However, if the training unit does not have a predefined OPFOR or OE, then the conditions for their exercise will have to be developed first, which will be discussed in the phase 3 (PMESII-PT OE development).



Note. Phase 2 is only the first of three phases in which OPFOR OB and task organization may be determined. The steps in the following example could be followed in phase 3 or even in phase 4.



2-26. Assuming that the training unit has defined OE conditions but does not have predetermined OB of the OPFOR for the exercise, the exercise planner would begin determining the appropriate type and size of OPFOR unit(s) capable of performing the OPFOR countertasks. The type of OPFOR unit is determined by the type of capability required for each OPFOR countertask. The size of the OPFOR organization is determined by the type of capability required and the size of the U.S. units(s) being trained. If, for example, the exercise is focused on major combat operations and the training unit will be attacking with two brigadesize units, then the OPFOR needs a brigade-size organization in order to provide an adequate defense. The optimal OPFOR organization for conducting such a defense, if the exercise is conducted in complex terrain, could include relatively light motorized infantry units with some mechanized infantry combined with an antiarmor capability. Such a mix of forces would include the use of a brigade tactical group (BTG) task organization. If an insurgency also exists in the OE, then a local insurgent force could also be included to provide the training unit with an opportunity to combat an insurgency. The insurgent force can either operate independently or become affiliated with the regular military force.



2-27. For the purpose of this example, only one guerrilla battalion will be resubordinated from its original parent insurgent organization to become an actual part of the BTG task organization. Because of its more military-like structure, this battalion can easily be incorporated into the BTG command structure and fight as a combat unit alongside the light motorized infantry. However, the remainder of the local insurgent organization remains only loosely affiliated with the BTG, rather than subordinate to it.



2-28. At this point, exercise planners review the OPFOR administrative force structure (AFS) organizational directories, which provide example equipment plus personnel types and the numbers of each type typically found in specific organizations. The AFS is to be used as the basis for OPFOR organization in all Army training exercises, except real-world-oriented MRXs. The AFS is the aggregate of various military headquarters, organizations, facilities, and installations designed to man, train, and equip the OPFOR.

Within the AFS, tactical-level commands have standard organizational structures. The purpose of the AFS is to give trainers and exercise planners a general idea of what an OPFOR structure should look like. A
complete list of AFS organizational directories, volumes I-IV, can be found at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) G2-TRISA Website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/19296289
(AKO access required).



Note. The AFS organizational directories are online files linked to FM 7-100.4. FM 7-100.4 provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to construct a task organization in its chapter 3 and appendix B; its chapter 4 describes how to select equipment options.



2-29. From the AFS menu, exercise planners can compile an initial listing of OPFOR units for the task organization (see example in table 2-4). The purpose here is to review the OPFOR organizational directories to determine which standard OPFOR unit(s) most closely matches the type and size of units required for performing OPFOR countertasks. At this point, the initial list only identifies the units available, without concern for any higher-level command to which they are subordinate in the AFS. In most cases, the organizations found in the AFS will require task-organizing in order to construct an OPFOR OB appropriate for the exercise. Once selected, this OPFOR unit will become the base unit to which modifications are made.

- BTG Headquarters (based on Bde HQ)
- Sniper Company


- Motorized Infantry Battalion (x2)
- Air Defense Battalion (Motorized)
- Mechanized Infantry Battalion (APC)
- Engineer Battalion
- Guerrilla Battalion (Hunter-Killer)
- Materiel Support Battalion
- Antitank Battalion
- Maintenance Battalion (APC/Motorized)

- Artillery Battalion
- Signal Company
- Reconnaissance Battalion (Motorized)
- Chemical Defense Company
- SPF Company
- Medical Company
- SPF Deep Attack/Recon Platoon


2-30. In the example in table 2-4, the exercise planner has determined that most of the units needed to conduct OPFOR countertasks can be found in the AFS organizational directory for a separate motorized infantry brigade. Therefore, that brigade will serve as the base unit for the required task organization, which will be a BTG based on that brigade's headquarters and some of its original subordinates in the AFS. However, OPFOR countertasks will also require the capabilities of some APC-equipped mechanized infantry, guerrilla forces, special-purpose forces (SPF), and additional snipers. 2-31. For the insurgent organization affiliated with the BTG in this example, the exercise planner would select the "Local Insurgent Organization" from the AFS organizational directories. He would then adjust


the "default" numbers of the various function-oriented cells to tailor the organization to provide the desired insurgent tasks.



2-32. Before extracting the base unit from the organizational directories, exercise planners should determine how much of the organizational detail in the directories they actually need for their particular training exercise or simulation. The directories typically break out subordinate units down to squad-size components. However, some simulations either cannot or do not need to provide that level of resolution. Therefore, exercise planners should identify the lowest level of organization that will actually be portrayed. If the only task-organizing involved will be internal to that level of base unit, any internal task-organizing is transparent to the users. However, if any subordinate of that base unit receives assets from outside its immediate higher organization, it might be necessary to first modify the subordinate into a task organization and then roll up the resulting personnel and equipment totals into the totals for the parent organization in the OPFOR OB for the exercise.



2-33. Several decisions are involved in modifying the standard OPFOR baseline unit to become the new task organization. This can involve changes in subordinate units, equipment, and personnel. If training objectives do not require the use of all subordinates shown in a particular organization as it appears in the AFS, users can omit the subordinate units they do not need. Likewise, exercise planners can add other units to the baseline organization in order to create a task organization that is appropriate to training requirements. Users must ensure that the size and composition of the OPFOR is sufficient to meet training objectives and requirements. However, total assets organic to an organization or allocated to it from higher levels should not exceed that which is realistic and appropriate for the training scenario. Skewing the force ratio in either direction negates the value of training. Therefore, specific OBs derived from the organizational directories are subject to approval by the trainers' OPFOR-validating authority.

## Opfor Tier Levels


2-34. During the task-organizing process, adjustments in equipment may be necessary in order to modify the strength and capability of the OPFOR unit. If a particular piece of equipment shown in the AFS organizational directories is not appropriate for a specific scenario, exercise planners may substitute another system according to the guidelines in the *Worldwide Equipment Guide* (WEG). The WEG is organized into directories consisting of three volumes:



Volume I, Ground Systems.


Volume II, Airspace and Air Defense.



Volume III, Naval and Littoral Systems.

The WEG is maintained and continuously updated, as necessary, by TRADOC G2-TRISA. Volumes I-III
can be found at the TRADOC G2-TRISA Website at: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14751393 (AKO
access required). It is important to note that even the baseline OPFOR organizations are subject to change over time. The equipment found in those organizations can also change. Therefore, planners should always consult the online AFS directories and the WEG for the latest, most up-to-date versions of organizational and equipment data.



2-35. The WEG contains equipment data, tier tables, and substitution matrices for the various categories of equipment found in OPFOR organizations. Exercise planners should exercise caution in modifying equipment holdings, since this impacts on an OPFOR unit's organizational integrity and combat capabilities.



2-36. Exercise planners can employ the tier tables and substitution matrices in the WEG to find appropriate substitutes for baseline equipment shown in the AFS organizational directories. Within each functional category of equipment, there are four tiers representing different levels of capability, with Tier 1
representing the highest level of capability and modernity. The four distinct tiers and their definitions are as follows:



Tier 1 reflects systems across the different functional areas that a major military force with stateof-the-art technology would generally have. At Tier 1, new or upgraded systems are limited to those robust systems fielded in military forces or currently developed and marketed for sale,
with capabilities and vulnerabilities that can be portrayed for training.



Tier 2 reflects modern competitive systems fielded in significant numbers for the last 10 to 20 years, with limitations or vulnerabilities being diminished by available upgrades. Although
forces are equipped for operations in all terrains and can fight day and night, their capability in range and speed for several key systems may be somewhat inferior to U.S. capability. Since the
equipment listed in the AFS directories are Tier 2 equipment, any adjustments to equipment should be considered in light of this baseline structure.



Tier 3 systems date back generally 30 to 40 years. They have limitations in all three subsystems categories: mobility, survivability, and lethality. Systems and force integration are inferior. However, guns, missiles, and munitions can still challenge vulnerabilities of U.S. forces. Selective upgrades can provide synergistic and adaptive increases in force effectiveness.



Tier 4 systems reflect 40- to 50-year-old systems, some of which have been upgraded numerous times. These represent equipment typically found in forces of Third World or smaller developed
countries. Use of effective strategy, adaptive tactics, selective technology upgrades, and terrain
limitations could enable a Tier 4 OPFOR to challenge the effectiveness of a U.S. force in achieving its goals. This tier includes militia, guerrillas, special police, and other forces.


Note. No force in the world has all systems at the most modern tier. The OPFOR, as with all military forces worldwide, is a mix of legacy and modern systems. Thus, the typical OPFOR force comprises a mix of Tier 1-4 systems.


2-37. Table 2-5 provides a sample of systems listed in the tier tables (from volume I, chapter 15 of the WEG as of 2009). The characteristics of individual equipment listed can be found in the preceding chapters of volume I.

|                                     |                                    | Equipment Type       | Tier 1             | Tier 2                | Tier 3    | Tier 4    |     |
|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|-----------|-----------|-----|
| Infantry Fighting Veh               | BMP-2M Berezhok                    | BMP-2M               | AMX-10P            | BMP-1PG               |           |           |     |
| Infantry FSV for IFV                | BMP/Kliver AD/AT                   | BMP-2M Kornet/SA-18  | AMX-10/SA-16/AT-5B | BMP-1PG w/ SA-16/AT-5 |           |           |     |
| Armored Psnl Carrier                | BTR-90                             | BTR-80A              | BTR-80             | M113A1                |           |           |     |
| Amphibious APC/IFV                  | BTR/Kliver BMP/Kliver              | BTR-80A/BMP-3 UAE    | WZ-551/BMP-2       | VTT-323/BMP-1PG       |           |           |     |
| Infantry FSV for APC                | BTR/Kliver AD/AT                   | BTR-80A/SA-18&Kornet | WZ-551/SA-16/AT-5B | BMP-1PG w/ SA-14/AT-5 |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Airborne APC/IFV                    | BTR-D/ BMD-3/Kliver                | BTR-D/BMD-3          | BTR-D/BMD-2        | BTR-D/BMD-1P          |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Heavy IFV/Heavy IFSV                | BMP-3M/BTR-90M/BMD-4               | BMP-3 UAE            | Marder 1A1         | BMP-1PG               |           |           |     |
| Main Battle Tank                    | T-90A                              | T-72B (Improved)     | Chieftain          | T-55AM                |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Amphibious Tank                     | Type 63A Modernized (AM) Type 63AM | M1985                | PT-76B             |                       |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Tracked HACV                        | 2S25                               | AMX-10 PAC 90        | AMX-13EE-9         | M41A3                 |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Wheeled HACV                        | AMX-10RC Desert Storm              | AMX-10RC             | EE-9               | EE-9                  |           |           |     |
| Combat Recon Veh                    | BRM-3K/Credo                       | BRM-3K               | BRM-1K             | EE-9                  |           |           |     |
| Abn/Amphib Recon CRV BMD-3/Credo 1E | BMD-3K                             | BMD-1PK              | BMD-1K             |                       |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Armored Scout Car                   | BRDM-2M                            | BRDM-2M              | Fox                | BRDM-2                |           |           |     |
| Sensor Recon Vehicle                | HJ-62C                             | HJ-62C               | BRM-1K             | BRM-1K                |           |           |     |
| AT Recon Vehicle                    | PRP-4M (TALL MIKE)                 | PRP-4M (TALL MIKE)   | PRP-4 (TALL MIKE)  | PRP-3 (SMALL FRED)    |           |           |     |
| Armored Cmd Veh                     | MP-21                              | BMP-1KSh             | BMP-1KSh           | BMP-1KS               |           |           |     |
| Abn/Amphib ACV                      | BMD-1KShM                          | BMD-1KShM            | BMD-1KShM          | BMD-1KShM             |           |           |     |
| Wheeled ACV                         | Kushetka-B                         | Kushetka-B           | BTR-60PU/BTR-145BM | BTR-60PU/BTR-145BM    |           |           |     |
| Command APC                         | BTR-90AK                           | BTR-80AK             | BTR-60PBK          | M113A1                |           |           |     |
| Motorcycle                          | Gear-Up (2-man)                    | Gear-Up (2-man)      | Motorcycle (2-man) | Motorcycle (2-man)    |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Tactical Utility Veh                | VBR                                | VBL/VBR              | UAZ-469            | UAZ-469               |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Armrd Multi-purpose                 | MT-LB6MB                           | MT-LB6MA             | MT-LBu             | MT-LB                 |           |           |     |
| All-Terrain Vehicle                 | Supacat                            |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |
| Supacat                             | LUAZ-967M                          | LUAZ-967M            |                    |                       |           |           |     |
|                                     |                                    |                      |                    |                       |           |           |     |



2-38. OPFOR organizations and equipment must support the entire spectrum of COE training scenarios for the U.S. Army. The OPFOR, as described in the TC 7-100 series, represents a variety of adversaries, and offers flexibility for use in training applications and scenarios for U.S. training. The main part of the WEG deals with systems that are widely proliferated in the current timeframe. Lists of equipment in the tier tables offer convenient baseline examples arranged in capability tiers for use in composing OPFOR equipment arrays for training scenarios. Each volume of the WEG also has a chapter on emerging technology trends. Tables in those chapters offer an extended capabilities tier for the near- and mid-term. Table 2-6 provides an example from an emerging technology trends chapter as of 2009.

| System                                          | Near-Term OPFOR (FY 09-13)    | Mid-Term OPFOR (FY 14-19)       |     |     |     |
|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------|-----|-----|-----|
|                                                 |                               | APC Air Defense/Antitank (ADAT) |     |     |     |
| Vehicle                                         |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| APC Bn and Bde MANPADS btry, selected other     |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| units                                           |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| See AIR DEFENSE                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| Infantry Fighting Vehicle                       |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| 2-man turret, amphib tracked. Add ERA. 30mm     |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| gun (sabot, 110+mm pen). Frag-HE Electronic-    |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| fuzed ammo 5 km. Buckshot rd for UAVs. 40-mm    |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| ABM AGL, 4 x fiber-optic guided ATGM 8 km       |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| launch on move, 2                               |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| nd                                              |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| gen FLIR. Auto-track, hunter-                   |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| killer FCS.  Remote MGs 12.7mm, 2 x 7.62.       |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| Laser designator 15 km. CPS/ATS                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| IFV ADAT Vehicle                                |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| IFV Bn/Bde MANPADS                              |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| IFV chassis and APC ADAT weapons and            |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| upgrades                                        |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| Heavy Infantry Fighting                         |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| Vehicle                                         |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| (Heavy IFV in Heavy Bn,                         |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| Infantry Fire Support Vehicle,                  |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| or IFV Company Command Vehicle,                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| as Required)                                    |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| 2-man turret, amphib tracked, Box ERA. Auto-    |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| track, hunter-killer FCS, ATGM lch on move. 100 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| and 30mm guns.  100mm  HEAT, DPICM rounds.      |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| 40mm ABM AGL, NLOS (LBR/SAL) ATGM 8+km          |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| lch-on-move. 30/100-mm HE electronic fuzed rd   |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| 7 km.  30-mm buckshot rd for UAVs. AD 12.7mm    |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| MG, 2 remote 7.62 MG. Laser designator 15 km.   |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| CPS/ATS                                         |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
|                                                 |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| HIFV ADAT Vehicle                               |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| HIFV and Amphib Bn/Bde                          |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| HIFV chassis with APC ADAT weapons and          |                               |                                 |     |     |     |
| upgrades                                        |                               |                                 |     |     |     |

Main Battle Tank

Welded turret with more KE protection.  125mm
gun, bigger sabot (800+mm), LBR ATGM 6 km.
SAL-H/IR-homing HEAT rd 5 km in 1 sec, SAL-H
ATGM 8 km. LTD to 10 km. Controls tank robot.
2nd gen FLIR (7 km) and 50X Day/night sights.
ATGM fire on move. Auto-tracker, laser radar,
laser dazzler blind sights. Focused frag HE rd for
heli, AT targets. HEAT-MP, DPICM submunition
rds. IR/MMW CM. CPS/ATS

## Products



2-39. The products always resulting from phase 2 are the OPFOR countertasks developed from selected training unit tasks. In some cases, phase 2 may also include the consequent development of OPFOR OB, task organization, and equipment tier levels. As mentioned previously, those would only be developed during this phase if the OE was already defined but the OPFOR units were not defined. In that case, the entire process of phase 2 could result in building the appropriate OPFOR OB, which must provide suitable organizations capable of countering those tasks selected from the AUTL or UJTL for the training unit. For training units that do have an existing OE and defined OPFOR, the exercise planner would only develop countertasks during this phase. For training units that do not have a defined OE, the exercise planner must first develop an appropriate OE in phase 3 before he can define the OPFOR.

## Section Iii - Phase 3: Pmesii-Pt Operational Environment Development



2-40. An *operational environment* (OE) is a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander (JP 3-0). Because this term was first introduced and defined in a Joint Pub about joint operations, a common misconception is that the term *operational environment* equates only to the operational level of war and that the "operational variables" used to describe an OE are applicable only at the operational or joint level. Both of those views are incorrect. The "operational" in both terms simply means that they relate to an operation, at any level. Every commander, at every level, has his own specific OE, which is part of the OE of his parent command

Hybrid drive. Box ERA 100mm KE /600 CE.  45-mm CTG. Fused FLIR /II sight 13 km. ADAT dart rd 4 km. SAL/LBR ATGM
8-12 km. MMW radar. Micro-UAVs recon/atk. Radar warner, laser radar. Tunable LTD 15 km.  CPS. 2 remote MGs,
1x 12.7.  TV/IR attack grenades


See AIR DEFENSE, APC ADAT for
weapons and upgrades



Hybrid drive.  Armor and box ERA protects
300mm KE/800 CE. 45-mm CTG, KE, HE,
ADAT rds.  KE missile 8 km.  Micro-UAVs
recon/ atk.  CPS. Fused FLIR/II sight 13
km.  ATGM 8-12 km. Tunable laser
designator to 15 km.  Radar/ MMW
warners.  AGL, 2 remote MGs, 1x 12.7.
TV/IR atk grds
See AIR DEFENSE, APC ADAT for
weapons and upgrades
Reduced turret, compartmented rds,
electromagnetic/ceramic armor, 3 gen
ERA, 500 mm top/mine armor. Laser/radar
warners. CPS. Hybrid drive. Sabot defeats
1000mm KE. KE ATGM to 12 km. Tunable
LTD to 15 km. ADAT msl 8 km.  Medium
laser weapon.  Fused FLIR/II sight 100 X
to 13 km. MMW FC. Atk/recon micro-UAV,
atk grds. Controls a robot tank.



and includes the OEs of his subordinate commands. A specific mission occurs within the context of a specific OE.



2-41. At this point, the exercise planner has analyzed and integrated the exercise parameters and OPFOR countertasks. The next step is to match the results of phases 1 and 2 to the appropriate OE conditions for the training scenario. This step is critical because it essentially creates the conditions for the selected unit training objectives. These conditions, when combined with the standards for the METL task, help commanders assess unit readiness for a mission. Upon completion of this phase, all the conditions for the training exercise are set.

## Tools



2-42. In the exercise is based on an existing OEA (for an actual operation or for an existing training scenario), that OEA is the foundation for phase 3. Depending on training requirements, the exercise planner may draw the necessary conditions directly from the existing OEA, develop more specific conditions for the specific OE of a smaller unit within that broader OE, or otherwise modify the existing OEA. If the exercise is not based on an existing OEA, the first step would be to create a composite OE that is appropriate for the training objectives, training unit tasks, and OPFOR countertasks already selected. In any case, the primary tool for this phase is to apply the framework of the eight operational variables and select appropriate settings for the subvariables.

## Operational Variables (Pmesii-Pt)



2-43. The Army's increased capability to integrate virtual, gaming, and constructive simulations with live training, along with the increased need for joint and multi-echelon training, requires exercise planners to develop a detailed and consistent OE for each training event. Defining the OE provides top-down coherence, flexibility, and continuity to the exercise and allows interaction at all levels. Most importantly, the operational variables of PMESII-PT (political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time) and their interaction provide the analytical framework for establishing conditions at all levels of training. The complexity of a specific OE in training can also be adjusted to ensure training objectives are met.


2-44. The framework for analysis of any OE should always consist of all eight operational variables that determine the nature of an OE and how it will affect an operation. The following is a brief description of each PMESII-PT variable, along with an example of questions a small-unit commander might need to have answered about each variable in his particular OE (in parentheses):



Political. Describes the distribution of responsibility and power at all levels of governance
formally constituted authorities, as well as informal or covert political powers. (Who is the tribal leader in the village?)


Military. Explores the military and/or paramilitary capabilities of all relevant actors (enemy, friendly, and neutral) in a given OE. (Does the enemy in this particular neighborhood have antitank missiles?)



Economic. Encompasses individual and group behaviors related to producing, distributing, and consuming resources. (Does the village have a high unemployment rate that makes it easy for the enemy to get villagers to perform tasks for pay or other benefits?)



Social. Describes the cultural, religious, and ethnic makeup within an OE and the beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of society members. (Who are the influential people in the village for example, religious leaders, tribal leaders, warlords, criminal bosses, or prominent families?)



Information. Describes the nature, scope, characteristics, and effects of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. (How much access does the local population have to news media or the internet?)



Infrastructure. Is composed of the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the
functioning of a community or society. (Is the electrical generator in the village working?)

Physical Environment. Includes the geography and man-made structures as well as the climate
and weather in the area of operations. (What types of terrain or weather conditions in this AO favor enemy operations?)



Time. Describes the timing and duration of activities, events, or conditions within an OE, as
well as how the timing and duration are perceived by various actors in the OE. (At what times are people likely to congest roads or conduct activities that provide a cover for hostile operations?)

## Pmesii-Pt Subvariables



2-45. Each of the eight PMESII-PT variables also has associated subvariables. A complete list of subvariables in detail is in chapter 3. Each subvariable listed there contains a subvariable definition and a breakdown of several distinct settings in order to develop specific exercise conditions. Each subvariable setting also has a corresponding definition, as well as associated planning considerations and notes to include links to other associated variables and subvariables. However, these are not always linked to a specific setting. (For an example of a subvariable, see table 2-7.)
Definition: Determines the type of government structure and associated behaviors encountered.

| Subvariable Setting                           |
|-----------------------------------------------|
| For live training requires robust domestic    |
| security apparatus, bureaucratic institutions |
| and bloated role-player government structure  |
| (1.5 normal manning).                         |
| Dictatorship/Authoritarian                    |
| A mode of government characterized by the     |
| existence of a single ruler or group who arro |
| gate to themselves and monopolize power in    |
| the state, exercising it without restraint.   |
| Can only occur in the first two categories of |
| social religious diversity.                   |
|                                               |
|                                               |
| Theocracy                                     |
| A government ruled by or subject to religious |
| authority. A system of government in which    |
| God or a deity is held to be the civil ruler. |
|                                               |
|                                               |
| Representative                                |
| Government                                    |
| Can be democratic, republic or parliamentary. |
| Requires specific, prominent influencers,     |
| council members be present in the scenario    |
| (in addition to the normal role-player govern |
| ment positions).                              |
| Characterized as a representative form of     |
| governmenteither democratic, republic or     |
| parliamentary in formwith elected repre      |
| sentatives and executives. All politics are   |
| governed by will of people and government     |
| has limited, defined powers over the popula   |
| tion.                                         |
|                                               |
|                                               |
| Tribal and religious role-players present in  |
| scenario. Small percentage of disenfran       |
| chised or former government officials with    |
| little influence.                             |
| Anarchy                                       |
| Absence of any form of political authority.   |
| Political disorder and confusion. Absence of  |
| any cohesive principle, such as a common      |
| standard or purpose.                          |

Subvariable Links:  Economic: Illegal Economic Activity; Social: Education Level, Religious Diversity, Criminal Activity.


2-46. Ultimately the exercise planner is responsible for choosing the combination of subvariables for the exercise. Table 2-8 on page 2-14 provides an overview of the PMESII-PT variables and all their associated subvariables.

Political Variable
Information Variable
Time Variable
- Attitude toward the United States
- Public communications media
- Knowledge of the AO


- Centers of political power
- Information warfare
- Cultural perception of time
- Type of government
- Intelligence
- Key event resolution


- Government effectiveness and
- Information management
- Information offset
legitimacy
- Tactical exploitation of time


- Influential political groups
Infrastructure Variable
- Key dates, time periods, or
- Construction pattern
events
Military Variable
- Urban zones
- Military forces
- Urbanized building density
- Government paramilitary forces
- Utilities present

- Non-state paramilitary forces
- Utility level
- Unarmed combatants
Transportation architecture
- Nonmilitary armed combatants - Military functions
Physical Environment Variable - Terrain
Economic Variable
- Economic diversity
 Observation and fields of fire  Avenues of approach


- Employment status
 Key terrain
- Economic activity
 Obstacles
- Illegal economic activity
 Cover and concealment

- Banking and finance
 Landforms  Vegetation

 Terrain complexity  Mobility classification
- Natural hazards
Social Variable
- Demographic mix - Social volatility
- Education level
- Climate - Weather


- Ethnic diversity - Religious diversity
- Population movement - Common languages
- Criminal activity - Human rights
 Precipitation  High temperatureheat index  Low temperaturewind chill index  Wind  Visibility  Cloud cover  Relative humidity



2-47. The eight variables and their associated subvariables describe the OE in terms that relate to specific situations as well as threat capabilities. These variables are relevant to every echelon of command and are relevant to every military operation. While individual variables do not dominate every environment, they are all present and require careful consideration. The PMESII-PT variables produce a coherent profile of the exercise conditions that can be applied to multi-level training exercises and small-unit
(brigade and below) training exercises alike.

## Operational Environment Assessment


2-48. The purpose of an OEA is to understand all relevant aspects (conditions, circumstances, and influences) of a particular, specific OE for an actual operation or a training event. An OEA is a systematic examination of all eight operational variables (PMESII-PT) and the subvariables that make up each of those variables. An OEA also identifies interrelationships among the variables and subvariables, as well as potential trends over time.


2-49. The exercise planner can either use an existing OEA (for an actual OE or a composite OE used in previous exercises), modify an existing OEA, or create an OEA for a new OE tailored to the requirements of the planned exercise. By using an existing OEA, the PMESII-PT variables and subvariable settings are pre-set. By adjusting an existing OEA, the exercise planners can change specific subvariable settings to meet requested training objectives or specified conditions in the OE. However, a composite OE can also be built by the exercise planner by selecting the desired subvariable settings straight from chapter 3.

2-50. The subvariable settings have definable differences that result in unique characteristics or planning factors. Their characteristics also directly impact on the ability of a unit to accomplish its mission in an operation or in training. The exercise director is ultimately responsible for approving the combination of settings for the exercise.


2-51. The operational variables can describe conditions of a composite OE created for an exercise but are equally applicable to describing real-world OEs as required for mission rehearsal training. The OEA, depending on the required resolution of the exercise, can be an invaluable tool in determining the proper subvariable settings to produce the desired OE. Now that the exercise planner has developed the parameters of the exercise as well as established training unit tasks and OPFOR countertasks, he has the tools and products necessary to develop the exercise's OE, the foundation of the scenario.

## Order Of Consideration



2-52. PMESII-PT is the memory aid for the eight operational variables that make up any OE. When listing the variables, it is therefore advisable to list them in the same order as in the memory aidto ensure that all are considered. The same is generally true for their order as headings, for instance in an OEA. However, that does not mean that one always addresses and analyzes the variables in that particular order. The order in which variables are considered may depend on several things, including



Whether a training exercise will use live, virtual, constructive, and or gaming enablers.


Whether the operational theme(s) selected for the exercise require specific conditions in one or
more variables.



Whether one is analyzing an actual OE, modifying an actual OE, or creating a composite OE for training.


Whether the training unit has requested specific conditions in which to perform tasks.

## Training Enablers



2-53. One of the key decisions that must be made during phase 1 is the type of exercisewhether the exercise will be live, virtual, constructive, gaming, or a combination of those training enablers. This decision may affect the order in which variables are considered. For example, if the exercise (or part of it) is to be conducted in a live training venue, much of the Physical Environment variable is predetermined. The terrain, natural hazards, climate, and weather are whatever actually exists at the live training venue. When virtual, constructive, or gaming enablers are involved, the Physical Environment might be considered only after settings for other variables have been determined.

## Operational Themes



2-54. The choice of operational theme or a combination of themes and the tasks inherent in them may cause emphasis on certain operational variables. Commanders must understand the OE for an operation in terms of the operational variables and describe their desired end state in terms of how they envision the conditions of the OE when the operation ends. This affects their focus on certain tasks and certain operational variables or subvariables related to those tasks. For example, foreign humanitarian assistance operations within an operational theme of limited intervention might cause exercise planners to place special emphasis on the Social and Economic variables and possibly the "natural hazards" subvariable of the Physical Environment variable. Thus, exercise planners might choose to consider such key variables first.

## Actual, Modified, Or Composite Oe



2-55. Another key decision in phase 1 is whether the scenario will be based on an existing OEA for an actual OE or a composite OE. The type of OE being analyzed will determine the relative importance of individual operational variables and the order in which they should be considered. The order may be different for conducting an OEA for an actual OE than for using the operational variables as a tool to design a modified or composite OE for training.

## Actual Oe



2-56. By using an existing OEA, the PMESII-PT variables and subvariable settings are pre-set. For an actual OE, the characteristics of all the variables are determined by the actual situation in the particular part of the world in which an operation is taking place or could take place. In this case, the purpose of an OEA
is to help understand all the relevant aspects of that particular OEmost likely starting with the basic Physical Environment of the selected geographic area. Even when doing an OEA for a contingency operation, the general physical locationthe *where* of the operationis known. Until an actual mission is received, the *when* of the operation (part of the Time variable) may not be known. Even without knowing the specific time, however, the commander and staff can begin the OEA processassessing the nature and impact of all the other variables as they exist at the present and as they continue to evolve over time.

The variables and their subvariables might be considered in order of available information.



2-57. In a particular actual OE, one or more operational variables might obviously have a greater impact on operations than others. In that case, one might want to consider those variables first, in order to be able to assess how they will influence other variables.



|     |
|-----|
|     |

Note. PMESII-PT should always be used in analyzing an OE regardless of whether or not the training unit has a specified OE. Even an existing OEA does not always have the appropriate level of resolution for the type or level of training exercise that may desired. PMESII-PT provides the comprehensive framework necessary for the development of the conditions for any level and type of training.

## Modified Oe



2-58. The order of consideration may be different when modifying an existing OE (for an actual operation or a previous training exercise) to meet specific training requirements and/or resource constraints. Most characteristics of the variables are a given, determined by the nature of those aspects of an OE that has already been analyzed. By adjusting an existing OEA, the exercise planner can change specific subvariable settings to meet specified training objectives or requested conditions in the OE. The order of consideration may depend on the exercise parameters, which will determine how closely the OE for training can or should replicate the actual conditions of the actual OE. Training objectives may necessitate adding, deleting, or modifying some conditions (when considering tasks, conditions, and standards). Resources constraints will determine where risk must be accepted and where intelligent compromise will be necessary.

## Composite Oe



2-59. If one is creating a composite OE, the exercise parameters will drive the order in which variables are considered. Since training objectives are driven by METL, certain supporting tasks for the training unit will drive the countertasks selected for the OPFOR. The OPFOR countertasks could determine the basic characteristics of the Military variable up front. As exercise planning continues, planners would refine their design of the OPFOR, creating the appropriate OPFOR OB and task organizationall part of the Military variable. In this case, the consideration of the rest of the variables could follow the decisions about the Military variable and would provide conditions that appropriately interact with those of the Military variable to produce the desired training results. However, some training unit tasks might not correspond to an OPFOR countertask, but rather to some other condition in the OE used for training (for example, a failed government or natural disaster). In such cases, those variables might be considered first or early in the process of developing the OE.

## Key Decisions



2-60. During phase 3, the exercise planner must select the appropriate subvariable settings for each of the operational variables. He must ensure that the selected settings reinforce the specific OE conditions the training unit requires. He must also determine the common processes and key events that help portray the OE conditions and their impact on the training unit.

## Subvariable Selection Example



2-61. The following is an extended example that follows the logic of how one exercise planner might select the subvariable settings to meet requirements for a particular exercise. Obviously, these are not the only settings possible. Likewise, the order in which the planner in this example considers the eight operational variables is only one example of one possible order in which an exercise planner might address the variables.


2-62. For the purpose of this example, the exercise planner is selecting subvariable settings for an exercise that is not an MRX with a specified AO and will not use a live training environment. However the exercise


parameters may indicate a requirement to create a particular type of geographical area to conduct the exercise. For example, the exercise planner could need to develop an OE centered around an AO in which the Physical Environment variable



Provides terrain that accomplishes terrain-based training objectives (for example, river crossing
and urban operations).

Provides terrain appropriate to the troop list.



Provides conditions that stress command, control, and logistics.


2-63. Once these exercise parameters have been taken into account, the exercise planner in this example could begin by selecting the subvariable settings for the Physical Environment variable. At this point, the planner is trying to establish realistic conditions, using the PMESII-PT variables, which will stress all anticipated operations and requirements. For example (see figure 2-1), the exercise planner may choose the "mixed" setting for the "landforms" subvariable of the Physical Environment variable. Since the setting definition of "mixed" is "two or more ... landforms comprising over 80% of the available terrain in an AO," the planner may select "mountain/glacial" in the eastern portion of the country and "coastal" in the western side of the country. It follows then that the associated "climate" subvariable settings selected for this AO
would be "oceanic" in the west and "subarctic" in the east. Since the planner may also want to ensure that the physical environment accommodates the maneuver of mechanized and armor formations and is open enough to allow long-range engagements, he may also select a "grassland" setting of the "vegetation" subvariable of the Physical Environment variable. This in turn would require the planner to also define "cover and concealment" as generally poor except in mountainous regions.


2-64. Next the exercise planner in this example could continue developing the OE using the variable of Time. One of the more important subvariables of Time is "knowledge of the AO." This subvariable defines the amount of information the training unit will have received before the exercise begins, based on the amount of time they have spent in the AO (according to the scenario). If, for example, the training unit does not have detailed knowledge of the AO and OE, the planner could select "established," which means the unit in the scenario is midway through its tour of duty and has only moderate knowledge of the AO and OE. Additional time subvariables that should also be considered are "key-event resolution" and "information offset." Key-event resolution defines the number of key events and orders of effect to be designed into the scenario in order to accomplish unit training objectives. Information offset is the percentage of signifi-

cant OPFOR activities that will be presaged by sufficient tips or indicators in order to enable successful training on unit reaction or interdiction response to the designed events.



2-65. If, as in this example, the Physical Environment and Time variables are determined first, those variables will shape and define the rest of the variables. The exercise planner then begins to complete the design of the OE by reviewing chapter 3 to determine the appropriate subvariable settings for the remaining variables. Again, the exercise planner tries to find the best fit to support the scenario and the training objectives.



2-66. At this point in the process, the exercise planner could develop the capabilities of the OPFOR by selecting the applicable subvariables of the Military variable. Using the countertasks already established in phase 2, the planner begins by selecting the type of military forces he will use in the exercise in order to field a challenging and capable OPFOR. Since we already know that the physical environment in the ongoing example was designed for major combat operations, it follows that the OPFOR selected, within the subvariable of "military forces," would be "predominately tank and mechanized infantry." Once this is determined, the next step would be to determine the degree to which this OPFOR can perform various "military functions," which is also a subvariable of Military. The planner would then select the appropriate setting for each function, such as fire support or maneuver, using a scale of "high," "medium," or "low." In the example discussed in the previous paragraphs, the planner may select "medium," which means the OPFOR can conduct limited, complex, synchronized tasks, is limited primarily to the theater of operations in its ability to influence friendly forces, and has predominantly Tier 2 equipment. (See chapter 3 on the Military variable for details.) If the exercise design also requires an insurgency, the planner would continue selecting various subvariables of the Military variable that specifically address the composition of this organization.



2-67. In our example, the exercise planner has already established subvariable settings for a physical environment suitable for the exercise by considering the training objectives and troop list of the training unit. The exercise planner understands the subvariable settings and implications of Time. He knows that the training unit is established in the AO and that the OPFOR will include the capability to conduct major combat operations as well as an insurgency. He has also developed his tentative COAs for the training unit.

With all this in mind, the exercise planner might next consider the relationship and connectivity between the established subvariables of Physical Environment, Time, and Military and the remaining variables. Using these three variables as a foundation, the planner might then analyze their impact when selecting the remaining subvariable settings related to Political, Social, Economic, Information, and Infrastructure.



2-68. During this portion of the OE development process, the exercise planner might choose to first address the subvariable settings for the Political, Social, and Economic variables. This would allow him to build a foundation from which he can then develop the appropriate Information and Infrastructure conditions. For example, the planner might wish to choose the Political subvariable settings of "vulnerable: failing" under "government effectiveness and legitimacy" and "tribal" under the "centers of political power." Consequently, he would choose the Economic subvariable settings of "high unemployment" and a "single industry present." It is then quite plausible that the Social subvariable settings would be a relatively young or "unbalanced, age" population and "social volatility" that is high.



2-69. Based on this foundation, the planner in this example would then select subvariable settings from the remaining Information and Infrastructure variables that logically match the other OE conditions selected. For example, the Information variable would probably have a "public communications media" subvariable that has widespread "postal" and "radio" with limited "Internet" and "television." The "information management" subvariable setting would probably be either "rudimentary" or "basic." Finally, appropriate subvariable settings for the Infrastructure variable would be selected. Since the training unit in this example wants an insurgency as part of the design, the planner would ensure that selected Infrastructure settings included "dense, random construction" and "high" building density, as well as urban zones that include a "city core" and a "high-rise residential area." This would allow for an insurgency to operate using cities as cover as well as provide a training platform for urban operations.



2-70. Once the overall OE has been developed using the PMESII-PT variables, the exercise planner or OPFOR planner could begin building the appropriate OPFOR OB details and task organization covered previously in phase 2. For the ongoing example, this would include the conventional OPFOR units as well


as the insurgent organizations, using the appropriate TC 7-100 series and associated documents described earlier.

## Oe-Wff Analysis



2-71. The success or failure of any mission may be determined by the comprehensiveness of the METL's supporting tasks. If the commander is not aware of shortfalls in the task organization, planning, or training, he cannot address or alleviate them. Therefore, it is imperative that the commander have all-inclusive, across-the-board supporting METL tasks to guide planning and training and to highlight any issues requiring resolution. A comprehensive METL and associated tasks must consider all aspects of any issue(s) that may affect the accomplishment of the mission. This includes, but is not limited to, organizational shortfalls and capabilities and the defined OE using the PMESII-PT framework described above. Once these are analyzed and highlighted, the commander is then able to assign priorities and resources to each area.



2-72. Although other factors also affect the selection of the METL tasks, at a minimum well developed METL tasks must integrate the mission, the defined OE, and the warfighting functions (WFFs). This integration can be accomplished by taking into consideration the conditions, circumstances, and influences of the PMESII-PT variables in relation to the WFFs and the assigned mission. What is required is an analytical tool that fuses all these critical issues of interest to the commander. A convenient tool for this analysis is an OE-WFF analysis matrix. Filling in such a matrix should help identify conditions that may require adjustments to the original unit METL tasks and organization developed in phase 1. The requirements revealed in such an analytical matrix result in a comprehensive list of supporting tasks (including tasks of the basic table of organization and equipment [TOE] organization and newly added task-organized subordinates). The results provide an inclusive adjusted baseline that reveals critical METL supporting tasks for the commander's review and approval.



2-73. To illustrate this process, figure 2-2 provides a new example of notional BCT METL supporting tasks. These were specific Army tactical tasks (ARTs) that were selected from the AUTL found in FM 7- 15 prior to applying the OE-WFF analysis matrix.



CORE MISSION: To disrupt or destroy enemy military forces, control land areas including populations and resources
and be prepared to conduct combat operations to protect US national interests.

## Doctrinal Missions: Offense, Defense, Stability Operations, Civil Support Operations.


- Conduct Command and Control
- Conduct Offensive Operations
- Execute the Operation Process (ART 5.1)
- Conduct a Movement to Contact (ART 7.1.1)


- Plan Operations (ART 5.1.1)
- Conduct an Attack (ART 7.1.2)
- Protect the Force
- Conduct Defensive Operations
- Conduct Operational Area Security (ART 6.5)
- Conduct an Area Defense (ART 7.2.2)


- Conduct Survivability Operations (ART 6.7)
-
Conduct Stability Operations


- Conduct Information Protection (ART 6.3)
- Provide CBRN Passive Defense (ART 6.9.4)
- Establish Civil Security (ART 7.3.1)
- Conduct Personnel Recovery Operations (ART 6.2)
- Conduct Civil Support Operations
- Provide Sustainment
- Provide a Screen (ART 1.2.2.4)
- Provide Logistics Support (ART 4.1)
- Conduct Guard Operations (ART 1.2.2.5)
- Conduct Human Resources Support (ART 4.2)


## Figure 2-2. Notional Bct Metl With Doctrinal Supporting Tasks (Example)



2-74. Using this notional METL and doctrinal supporting tasks as a baseline, the exercise planner then builds an OE-WFF analysis matrix using the assumed data already compiled from the PMESII-PT variables analyzed against doctrinal WFFs. (See table 2-9 on page 2-20.) Using this construct, the initial supporting tasks are evaluated to determine if they do or do not correspond to the new conditions (PMESII- PT). In addition, the OE-WFF analysis matrix is used to determine if other supporting tasks need to be added.

WARFIGHTING FUNCTIONS


Intelligence
Fires
Sustainment
C2
Protection


Movement and
Maneuver


Political
Government
unstable
Active
insurgency


Military
Robust antiarmor
(a)
Limited
line of sight


Limited
HUMINT capability
No UAVs
assigned
Deploy within 96
hours (b)
Provide air sup
port (c)


IEDs
Insufficient rivercrossing capa bility
Economic
High unem-


ployment
Social
Tribal based
Numerous
no-fire zones
Significant
number of religious structures


Information
Establish
HUMINT operations w/in 10 days
Active intelli-


gence service


Infrastructure Limited hard
surface roads


OPERATIONAL VARIABLES


Insufficient
cross-country vehicles
Heavy reliance
on air transport
Insufficient
mine-clearing & river-crossing
capabilities


Limited
fields of fire
Physical
Environment

Numerous rivers
Swamp/marsh Cold Mountainous
Unexploded
explosive ordnance


Time
Extended road
movement


Limited AO
knowledge

BLUE: Capabilities and limitations in light of directed mission and OE conditions
RED (italics): OPFOR and other characteristics of operational variables

## Notes:

|     |
|-----|
|     |
|     |

(a) Robust insurgent antiarmor/antitank ability. Possess Kornet-E, RPG-29, RPG-7V1. (b) Deploy to *Country X* within 96 hours.

(c) Robust insurgent air defense weapons. Starstreak, SA-16/SA-18.

(d) **Water/food for 5,000 troops & vehicles.** Local population of 15,000 has limited food and contaminated water supply and is malnourished.



Poor
UHF/VHF radio relay


Insufficient
POL & water trucks to support task force
Robust air
defense (c)
Suicide
bombers
No CBRN
capability


Insufficient
medical personnel and supplies
Strong black
market economy
Strong illegal
drug trade


Water for 5,000
troops & vehicles (d)


No water or food
avail for 15,000 locals (d)


Robust
INFOWAR, EW, cyber capability
Large NGO
presence


Lack of potable
water, POL, lodging, plumbing

Limited
electric power
No cell
towers
Limited line
of sight
Limited natural
water/2-year drought (d)
Diseases
(typhoid & malaria)


2-75. Analyzing this information can result in several changes to the initial supporting METL tasks. (Figure 2-3 shows an example of notional BCT METL supporting tasks adjusted for OE and WFF.)

## Core Mission: To Disrupt Or Destroy Enemy Military Forces, Control Land Areas Including Populations And Resources And Be Prepared To Conduct Combat Operations To Protect Us National Interests. Doctrinal Missions: Offense, Defense, Stability Operations, Civil Support Operations.



- Conduct Command and Control
- Conduct Offensive Operations

- Assess Tactical Situation and Ops (ART 5.1.4)
- Conduct Tactical Road March (ART 1.3.2)


- Prepare for Tactical Operations (ART 5.1.2)
- Conduct a Movement to Contact (ART 7.1.1)
- Execute the Operations Process (ART 5.1)
- Conduct an Attack (ART 7.1.2)


- Conduct Defensive Operations
- Plan Operations (ART 5.1.1)
- Conduct an Area Defense (ART 7.2.2)
- Protect the Force
- Conduct Operational Area Security (ART 6.5)
-
Conduct Stability Operations


- Conduct Information Protection (ART 6.3)
- Conduct Survivability Operations (ART 6.7)
- Conduct Foreign Internal Defense Operations (ART
- Conduct Counterintelligence Operations (ART 6.11.3.1)
7.6.4.1)
- Conduct Personnel Recovery Operations (ART 6.2)
- Establish Civil Security (ART 7.3.1)
- Provide Maneuver
- Conduct Civil Support Operations
- Conduct Tactical Maneuver (ART 1.2)
- Provide a Screen (ART 1.2.2.4)
- Cross Danger Area (ART 1.2.6)
- Conduct Guard Operations (ART 1.2.2.5)
- Overcome Barriers/Obstacles/Mines (ART 1.6.1)
- Provide Humanitarian Relief (ART 7.4.1.2)
- Conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (ART
- Provide International Law Support (ART 4.2.3.3)
3.3.5)
- Conduct Internment/Resettlement Operations (ART 4.4)
- Provide Sustainment


- Provide Logistics Support (ART 4.1) - Conduct Human Resources Support (ART 4.2) - Provide Medical Treatment (ART 4.3.1.1) - Provide Water Support (ART 4.1.3.11) - Provide Medical Evacuation (ART 4.3.2) - Provide POL (Distance Operations) (ART 4.1.3.3)


2-76. First, a task such as "Provide CBRN Passive Defense" can be deleted because, in this case, the OPFOR does not have a CBRN capability. Second, tasks such as "Provide Water Support" and "Provide Humanitarian Relief" have been added due to the humanitarian crisis in the OE. Issues, relationships, and cascading effects, not obvious with a stand-alone METL, become evident once combined with specifics unique to the assigned mission, the task organization, and the defined OE. Once all aspects are considered in one analytical process, the differences in the BCT supporting task list are significant, and obvious. This methodology provides the commander a tailored, all-encompassing tool to assess both the unit's readiness and its ability to perform the directed mission in the form of adjusted supporting METL tasks based on OE-
WFF analysis.



2-77. Once the OE has been determined, then further decisions and development can be made on the scenario. These include common processes and key events for the desired scenario.

## Common Processes


2-78. An integral part of the scenario is the everyday activity that brings the scenario to life, making it a realistic training environment that forces the training unit to react and think through the ramifications of its actions. In order to understand this OE that appears so complicated, the exercise planner utilizes a method of preplanned events that are common to all exercise OEs. Examples would be delivery of basic services, conduct of manufacturing and agricultural activities, and transportation. The key to replicating the OE is resources. The level of fidelity and number of variables and subvariables replicated will be determined by factors such as the experience level of the unit, the type of training exercise, and the number of personnel available to role-play as members of an environment. Variables and their associated subvariables make the OE into an ever-changing and evolving situation that gives the training unit indications of upcoming and possible key events and reacts to actions the training unit takes or fails to take.

## Key Events



2-79. Key events are preprogrammed events designed to highlight chosen training objectives. Early in the initial planning phase when the prioritized training objectives are developed, the senior trainer and exercise director usually determine if there will be key events and what their content will be. Key events found in exercises can involve things such as riots, mass casualties, and missing Soldiers.



2-80. To make the exercise more realistic and challenging, the exercise planner should consider key events more in terms of their relationship to the overall scenario, their training value, and their application across all PMESII-PT variables. Key events should also be precipitated by the buildup of indicators or situations that lead up to a key event. How the training unit responds to these indicators and events will determine the follow-on development of second-, third-, and even fourth-order effects. The training unit's reactions should be mapped out ahead of time and future events anticipated for scripting or role-playing instructions. The results can then be used as part of after action-reviews to show the training unit why something happened and what could have been done differently. 2-81. An example of key event development could involve an insurgency. In this example, the insurgency is part of training scenario and the unit's training objective of conducting stability operations. In this illustration, the exercise OE indicates an active insurgency in the vicinity of an important industrial city. This city also has an active black market and criminal activity.  The planned key event would be the arrest of a suspected insurgent as the result of a raid on a meeting between leaders of this insurgency. Subsequent interrogations reveal that the person arrested is also the mayor of this city, a factory owner, and a tribal elder.

How the training unit responds to this information will determine what and how the follow-on effects will play out. If the unit determines that he was only a sympathizer attending the meeting to placate the insurgency leaders, then the impacts of this arrest will be minimal. However, if the unit determines that he is lying and keeps him in detention without clear disposition, then the exercise director may cause a cascading of negative effects to develop. These effects may take place simultaneously and impact various PMESII-PT
variables of this OE. Negative effects in this city may include: attitudes toward the U.S. forces, reduced local government effectiveness, factory shutdown, government strikes, demonstrations, riots, and increased criminal activity. These effects have already been predetermined and planned out to occur at certain times during the exercise unless the training unit takes actions to prevent or mitigate these effects. The sequence and level of resolution will most likely be based on the allocated time for the exercise and the unit's level of experience.

## Products



2-82. FM 7-0 states: "The Army trains and educates its members to develop agile leaders and organizations able to operate successfully in any operational environment." In order to achieve this goal, all leaders and trainers must understand not only what an OE is but its impact on the mission and training as well. Using all the eight PMESII-PT variables and the OE-WFF analysis provides analytical tools that help ensure comprehensive training objectives have been developed for the exercise. The resulting products from these tools are a defined OE as well as refined training objectives and task organization.

## Section Iv - Phase 4: Orders, Plans, And Instruction Development



2-83. Orders, plans, and instruction development refers to all the materials and products issued by the exercise director and his staff to the training unit. Normally this includes operation orders, operation plans (OPLANs), overlays, warning orders (WARNOs), fragmentary orders (FRAGOs), country studies, intelligence estimates, and adjacent unit ordersin short, all documents required for the training unit to exercise its staff and Soldiers during the exercise. Issue times for these orders vary, and the exercise planner should develop an orders issue schedule affording adequate lead times for training units to prepare and issue their orders. This schedule, as well as the documents themselves prior to their issue, may require changes and updates and should be reviewed and updated throughout the exercise.



2-84. There are three sets of orders and instructions derived from the exercise design process: training unit orders, OPFOR orders, and role-player instructions. These three sets of orders, while they may be developed separately, must be thoroughly coordinated before and during development. The exercise planner develops the orders, plans and instructions, which include the training unit's and OPFOR COAs, OPFOR
OB, and the road to war.

## Tools



2-85. Tools necessary for orders, plans, and instruction development are the results of phases 1 through 3
and the TC 7-100 series. Now that the OE is defined, the exercise planner can develop or refine the OPFOR OB to meet the requirements of the defined OE and then develop the training unit's higher headquarters order with COAs and finally the road to war.



2-86. As discussed earlier, the development of the OPFOR OB may have already occurred as part of phase 2 or phase 3, if the OE and OPFOR are already determined and at sufficient resolution for the training exercise requirements. If this is the case, then these tools, as well as others previously covered, would be used to develop OPFOR orders.


2-87. If the OPFOR OB has not been developed, then that process and OPFOR task-organizing would have to be completed during this phase since it is vital prerequisite data necessary for the production of OPFOR orders. For details on the development of OPFOR OB see phase 2, task and countertask development.



2-88. At this point, assuming OPFOR OB already exists, the exercise planner has established a number of the key conditions that allow him to begin positioning the training unit and OPFOR in tentative positions for start of exercise (STARTEX). He has determined how the exercise will flow, the order of the missions, and OB for both the training unit and OPFOR. The exercise planner should position OPFOR units in a way that provides sufficient combat power and types of forces to rigorously oppose the training unit and its performance of the training tasks. The exercise planner should organize the battlefield that



Provides nonlinear conditions.


Reflects current Army and OPFOR doctrine.


Is appropriate to the training unit troop list, training status, and AO.


Matches the PMESII-PT variables and subvariable settings.

2-89. The exercise planner should then organize an OPFOR force that


Can accomplish all countertasks.


Reflects TC 7-100-series OPFOR doctrine, organization, and equipment tier structure.


Is appropriate to the training unit troop list and AO.


Matches the appropriate PMESII-PT subvariable settings for Military.


2-90. During this phase, the training unit's higher headquarters COA is determined. The training unit's higher headquarters COA is determined largely by tools discussed earlier, such as the prioritized training objectives of unit to be trained. However, both the training unit and OPFOR COAs will affect and be affected by conditions (operational variables) pertinent to the exercise. In all cases, the exercise planner tries to find the best fit of conditions and parameters to support the scenario and training objectives. (For details on COA development, see FM 5-0.)

## Key Decisions



2-91. The final planning conference (also known as the STARTEX conference) between the exercise planner, exercise control (EXCON), OPFOR commander, senior trainer, and the exercise director is normally conducted during this phase in order to ensure all exercise details have been completed. The final planning conference or STARTEX conference locks in all troop lists, training objectives, and exercise conditions.

This includes approval/disapproval by the exercise director of training unit requests for equipment and troop list exceptions outside of their normal TOE and task organization.



2-92. Approximately 30 days prior to STARTEX, the exercise planner prepares and presents the last preexercise briefing to the exercise director and all pertinent staff. Since this is designed as an information briefing, no decisions, except for unresolved issues, are expected from the exercise director. This briefing normally covers all aspects of the exercise and ensures deconfliction of any last-minute issues. It also promotes complete understanding of the exercise by those who are normally not part of the planning process. Topics covered in this briefing may include but are not limited to


Finalized troop list.



Approved/disapproved equipment and troop list exceptions.


Observer-controller augmentation (when required).


Key leaders.


Resolved and unresolved issues.


Close air support/airlift units and sorties (if applicable).


Detailed exercise timeline.


Training unit missions and dispositions.


OPFOR missions and dispositions.


Chronology of major key events.


CBRN events (if applicable).

C-Day, M-Day, and D-Day.

## Products



2-93. To promote realism in training and to provide as much information as possible to the training unit prior to the exercise, the exercise director may direct the development and issuance of appropriate country studies, WARNOs, intelligence summaries, role-player instructions, and higher unit OPLANs. Training units may use these documents in developing preparatory home-station training prior to the actual exercise.


2-94. To this point, within the sequence of events, the exercise planner has compiled and developed all required information derived from his analysis of tools, key decisions, and products of the previous three phases. He has established and defined the key conditions for the OE and the exercise. He has also developed and analyzed COAs for both the training unit and OPFOR. The exercise planner is now prepared to expand the above-listed information into the orders and plans necessary to support the exercise.

## Higher Unit Orders And Plans



2-95. The number and detail of completeness of the orders and plans must be sufficient to meet all exercise requirements for the unit to be trained. Figure 2-4 is a list of typically required training-unit-associated orders and plans based on the level and fidelity of the exercise.

- Battalion WARNO
- COCOM WARNO

- Battalion OPORD
- Corps/Joint Task
Force OPLAN
- Battalion FRAGO

- Corps/Joint Task
- Brigade WARNO
Force OPORD
- Brigade OPORD
- Country Studies
- Brigade FRAGO
- Rules of Engagement
- Division WARNO - Division OPORD - Division OPLAN - Division Intel Estimate


## Opfor Orders And Plans



2-96. The OPFOR also uses plans and orders. OPFOR orders give specific guidance for exercise play and rules of engagement. Similar to the regular five-paragraph order format as described in FM 5-0, they may include special instructions for scripted events, as in the case of MRXs. Length, format, and detail will vary depending on the type of exercise, training area, and OPFOR organization. OPFOR orders and plans require careful husbanding by EXCON and the exercise director to ensure maintenance of control measures, rules of engagement, and force ratios in support of the exercise training requirements. Larger exercises require continuous exercise director review and modification to ensure fairness and proper observercontroller evaluation of the training unit.


2-97. OPFOR orders should, at a minimum, include



A description of the OE to include subvariable settings.


A discussion of the scenario, a scenario timeline, areas to be occupied (who, what, where, when,
and duration).


Current higher-headquarters and strategic situation (OPFOR/training unit) and road to war.


Task organization.


Concept of operations to include coordinating instructions.


Administrative notes.


Events calendar/timetable.


Rules of engagement (may be time- and unit-specific).


Overlays and maps (for example, maneuver, fires, obstacle, reconnaissance and surveillance).



Scripted events and coordination instructions when required (for example, MRXs, role-play interaction).

## Role-Player Instructions



2-98. Other written instructions that are important to develop during this phase are role-player instructions. Most exercise venues, including simulations, require interaction between the training unit and noncombatants. Role-player instructions create behavior profiles and events for individuals and groups within the role-player population. They also schedule specific events or incidents, which require close coordination between OPFOR, role-players, and EXCON.



2-99. Increasingly, training in civil affairs operations, the handling of news media, interaction with civilians (such as displaced persons, refugees and local inhabitants), as well as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) has made the PMESII-PT Social and Political variables of primary concern to the  exercise planner. The proliferation of transnational groups, criminal organizations, and international partnerships with U.S. and foreign companies has made OEs increasingly complex. Significant resources and coordination are required, depending on the exercise scenario, to script and execute desired incidents and events during exercises. Creative and tactically focused role-playing depicts the OE as a whole. Role-playing places training units in situations out of their comfort zone and forces them to make difficult decisions. It is a cornerstone of valuable training in today's training environments. Role-player instruction development, therefore, is a challenge for all exercise planners. For a detailed guide on the use of role-players in training, refer to the *Contemporary Operational Environment (COE) Actors & Role-Players Handbook*. It can be accessed on the TRISA-CTID website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14712167  (requires AKO
password).



2-100. The *COE Actors & Role-Players Handbook* outlines a methodology for the orientation and training of role-players in COE-based education and training exercises. Each of the chapters contains specific information designed to assist exercise planners, exercise directors, and role-players in developing a realistic and challenging OE. The chapters include the following:



Introduction to the COE.


Role-player terminology.


Individual and collective training considerations.


Tools for trainers.


Material and outfitting for the role-player.


Media affairs and the role-player.



Training program concept.


2-101. In order to support all training objectives and, ultimately, mission accomplishment, trainers must discuss key aspects of the OE for the exercise with role-players. By doing this, trainers ensure that roleplayers understand their functions and how they will provide the environment that enables the unit to meet its training objectives. Role-play instructions should include at a minimum the following information about the training unit:



METL.


Training objectives.


Combined arms training strategy (CATS).


Individual tasks and collective tasks.


Battle tasks.


Warrior tasks.

2-102. According to the *COE Actors & Role Players Handbook*, the exercise planner, trainers, and roleplayers must analyze all aspects of the scenario to ensure scenario fidelity. Role-players must be familiar with the



PMESII-PT variables and the training unit's desired subvariable settings.


Training objectives.


Role-player dynamics.


Factors affecting the scenario.


Scenario end state.


2-103. A comprehensive list of role-player instructions is contained in the role-players handbook. Typical role-player instructions will



Force the training unit to interact with local officials and law enforcement.


Cause situations that will test or force modification of the training unit's rules of engagement.


Create situations that could cause possible violations of the rules of engagement and force the training unit to initiate investigations of alleged violations (AR 15-6).


Stress the training unit's capabilities to deal with external organizations.



Force the training unit's commander to deal with complaints regarding alleged injuries or deaths to civilians, destruction of civilian property, and failure to support NGO operations.



Coordinate OPFOR interaction with civilians to cause unrest and depict the training unit as the
enemy.



Create an OE that forces the training unit to consider and plan for interaction with multiple external organizations.


Introduce a number of third-party actors into exercise play.

## Road To War

2-104. The last step in the exercise design process is to develop the road to war. The road to war is not necessarily a formal document but describes chronologically the incidents and the events leading up to the current situation as well as the training unit and OPFOR disposition. The road to war should be consistent with the subvariable settings selected for the OE variables. The road to war at a minimum should include the following:



Explain the deployment and disposition of the training unit at STARTEX.

Identify C-Day, M-Day, and D-Day.



Explain OPFOR organization of the battlefield, organization of forces, and dispositions.


Reflect OPFOR doctrine in the TC 7-100 series (except for MRXs).


Provide reasoning for execution of training objectives and subtasks.

## Section V - Summary


2-105. The planning events discussed in this chapter represent a practical approach to developing and executing training exercises. The events discussed provide context to exercise design and scenario development. Still, exact events and timings will be prescribed by each training organization, such as MCTC or Battle Command Training Program (BCTP).



2-106. Exercise design is an integrated process involving the determination of exercise parameters (phase 1, initial planning), development of training tasks (phase 2, task and countertask development), design of exercise conditions (phase 3, PMESII-PT OE development), and orders production (phase 4, orders, plans, and instruction development). These four phases meld the basic exercise design steps with the eight operational variables of PMESII-PT and their subvariable settings. This process, while extensive, ensures exercise continuity and compliance with the COE concept and OPFOR doctrine in the TC 7-100 series. A composite checklist with exercise development tasks and critical planning events can be found in appendix A.



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## Chapter 3 Operational Variables


As discussed in chapter 2, the operational variables provide key design considerations for the exercise planner. Together, these variables comprise all the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect any military operation or any training exercise. They provide a comprehensive view of an operational environment (OE), real or simulated, that realistically challenges the training unit, its leaders, and Soldiers in the execution of their missions and tasks. This chapter describes the variables, subvariables, and linkages that can be used to develop comprehensive OE conditions for training exercises.

## Operational Environment



3-1. An OE is the complete set of conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the decisions of the unit commander and the deployment and employment of military forces, as well as other instruments of national power. It encompasses all the variables that affect where Soldiers will train or fight.


3-2. The OE represented in a training event must be appropriate for the training objectives. What constitutes a realistic and relevant OE for a particular training event depends on how much the unit knows about where it can expect to be deployed. On the one hand, the unit may know the specific area of operations (AO) where it will deploy or be able to anticipate such a specific deployment. In that case, the goal should be to create training conditions that replicate as closely as possible the actual conditions of the specific OE associated with that AO. On the other hand, the unit may need to train to accomplish its core capabilities in any of a number of possible OEs. In that case, it is appropriate to design an OE that represents a composite of the types of conditions that might exist in a number of actual OEs in which the unit might find itself involved in full spectrum operations.



3-3. In either case, the design and structure of the OE for any training event consists of three main components: actual data, projected data, and intelligent compromise. All that differs is the proportion of each.

The term for this combination of actual data, intelligent compromise, and projected information that creates the conditions for any training event is the Contemporary Operational Environment (COE). The COE is the collective set of conditions, derived from a composite of actual worldwide conditions, that pose realistic challenges for training, leader development, and capabilities development for Army forces and their joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational partners. The COE is a collective term for the relevant aspects of contemporary OEs that exist or could exist today or in the, near- and midterm future (next 10 years). It is a composite of all the **operational variables** and **actors** that create the conditions, circumstances, and influence that can affect military operationsand therefore serve as the conditions necessary for training and leader development. Most importantly, it is not a totally artificial construct created for training; rather, it is a representative composite based on the characteristics of one or more actual OEs in this contemporary timeframe.

## Variables, Subvariables, And Settings



3-4. The foundation of the exercise planner's development of the appropriate OE for a training exercise is the eight operational variables that reside in all OEs and have the greatest impact on military forces. The strength of these variables is that they are flexible and scalable, capable of replicating any OE that U.S.

forces might encounter along the full spectrum of conflict. These variables are Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical Environment, and Time (PMESII-PT). The variables relate


to specific situations as well as threat capabilities. They are relevant to every echelon of command and every military mission. While individual variables do not dominate every environment, they are all present and require careful consideration. Ignoring one or more of these variables can negatively impact military missions and the realism of training conditions in an exercise.


3-5. The taxonomy of categorizing the components of any OE begins with the eight PMESII-PT. The next level down from the variables is the associated subvariables, which show either a menu or a range of choices called subvariable settings. In a few cases, a subvariable may break down into another level of specificity, called *sub-subvariables*, which have their own choices of settings. Each variable, associated subvariables and sub-subvariables, and their settings have specific definitions to assist the planner in building the desired OE.

Note. The listed subvariables and associated settings are not necessarily all inclusive. As events, technology, and time change, existing subvariables may need to be modified or new ones added. Even in conducting an operational environment assessment (OEA) for an actual OE, additional subvariables may be necessary. The intent in this TC is to provide a basic guideline of areas that are important and may need to be considered in designing a training exercise.



3-6. The remaining portion of this chapter will provide a detailed breakdown of each operational variable and their associated components in the order of the memory aid PMESII-PT. The entry for each variable begins with the definition of that variable. Then, for each variable, there is an initial table providing an overview of the associated subvariables and subvariable settings. This is followed by individual tables for each subvariable, providing the subvariable definition and definitions of possible subvariable settings. The subvariable tables also include "considerations and additional notes" usually pertaining to individual settings. Finally, the subvariable tables list other variables and subvariables whose settings would most likely be linked to the subvariable described in the table. However, these are not the only possible links that may exist.



3-7. Exercise planners should use these tables as a tool to select the subvariable or sub-subvariable settings that create the appropriate conditions for their specific exercise. These specific conditions, along with scenarios and road to war, are based upon approved training objectives, the training unit's METL, and desired exercise-training outcomes. When training for an actual OE in a specific geographical area, the exercise planner can use a TRISA-produced OEA that indicates the settings required to replicate that particular OE (see chapter 2).



3-8. The impacts of the PMESII-PT variables on exercise design are significant. As discussed in chapter
2, the PMESII-PT variables and their subvariable and sub-subvariable settings provide a comprehensive framework to determine the training conditions within an OE. These conditions can affect the training unit and OPFOR positively and negatively across the full spectrum of operations as well as at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Using these variables assists the commander in training his unit in a realistic and challenging environment.

## Political Variable


3-9. The Political variable describes the distribution of responsibility and power at all levels of governanceformally constituted authorities, as well as informal political powers. The political variable includes influential political groups and the collective attitude of the population towards the U.S. The specific Political subvariables and their settings are depicted in table 3-1. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-2 through 3-6.

|               |                 |                |               | Variable    | Political    |
|---------------|-----------------|----------------|---------------|-------------|--------------|
| Subvariable   | Attitude toward | Centers of     | Type of       | Government  | Influential  |
| the United    | Political Power | Government     | Effectiveness | Political   |              |
| States        | and Legitimacy  | Groups         |               |             |              |
|               | Friendly        | Tribal         | Dictatorship/ |             |              |
| Authoritarian |                 |                |               |             |              |
|               |                 |                |               |             |              |
| Neutral/      | Town/District   | Theocracy      | Vulnerable:   | Opposition  |              |
|               |                 |                |               |             |              |
|               |                 |                |               |             |              |
| Ambivalent    | Recovering      |                |               |             |              |
| Subvariable   |                 |                |               |             |              |
| Settings      |                 |                |               |             |              |
| Hostile       | Provincial      | Representative |               |             |              |
| Government    |                 |                |               |             |              |
|               |                 |                |               |             |              |
| National/     |                 |                |               |             |              |
| Regional      |                 |                |               |             |              |
|               |                 |                |               |             |              |

Definition: Describes the attitude of the government toward the United States and specifically toward the presence and actions of U.S. and/or coalition forces. (Once established, this subvariable manifests itself in the scenario in the form of role player instructions or combat instructions to the OPFOR.)

| Subvariable Setting                                  |
|------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                      |
| Friendly                                             |
| Describes an overall favorable, positive recep       |
| tion of the U.S. and/or coalition forces activities, |
| presence, and initiatives.                           |
|                                                      |
| Neutral/Ambivalent                                   |
| Describes an undecided reception of the U.S.         |
| and/or coalition forces' activities, presence, and   |
| initiatives.                                         |
|                                                      |
| Hostile                                              |
| Describes an unfavorable, negative reaction to       |
| the U.S. and/or coalition forces' activities, pres   |
| ence, and initiatives.                               |

Subvariable Links: Political: Type of Government; Social: Education Level; Economic: Employment Status.

| Effective: Stable                                    | Pro-            |
|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Government                                           |                 |
| Coalition                                            | Vulnerable:     |
| Failing                                              |                 |
| Anarchy                                              | Crisis: Failing |
| Crisis: Failed                                       |                 |
|                                                      |                 |
| Role-player sub-instructions limited to 20% of       |                 |
| subversive activities against the training unit's    |                 |
| intentions. Takes the form of infiltration, over     |                 |
| looking of criminal activities, active support of    |                 |
| OPFOR. Also necessitates 20% of role-player          |                 |
| support in the form of tips. Limits infiltration and |                 |
| scripted sabotage against the training unit's        |                 |
| actions. High level of tips (4 to 5 per day) and     |                 |
| populace cooperation against OPFOR activities.       |                 |
| Role-player sub-instructions limited to 30% of       |                 |
| the scenario population engaged in some form         |                 |
| of subversive activities against the training unit's |                 |
| intentions. Takes the form of infiltration, over     |                 |
| looking of criminal activities, and active support   |                 |
| of OPFOR. Also necessitates 15% of role-player       |                 |
| support in the form of tips. Increased infiltration  |                 |
| and scripted sabotage against the training unit's    |                 |
| actions. Moderate level of tips, (2 to 3 per day)    |                 |
| and populace cooperation against OPFOR ac            |                 |
| tivities.                                            |                 |
| Role-player sub-instructions limited to 40% of       |                 |
| the scenario population engaged in some form         |                 |
| of subversive activities against the training unit's |                 |
| intentions. Takes the form of infiltration, over     |                 |
| looking of criminal activities, and active support   |                 |
| of OPFOR. Heavy infiltration and scripted sabo       |                 |
| tage against the training unit's actions. Low level  |                 |
| of tips (1 to 2 per day) and populace coopera        |                 |
| tion against OPFOR activities.                       |                 |


Definition: Determines the types of bureaucratic divisions and/or centers of power within a government. Also includes the level of governmental span of control from tribal to regional/national level. An example would be tribal and town/district, with a primary focus on town/district matters.

| Subvariable Setting                               | Setting Definition                                                                                        |
|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Tribal                                            |                                                                                                           |
| Tribal focus, limited government or government    |                                                                                                           |
| of limited influence. Characterized by tribal eld |                                                                                                           |
| ers, religious figureheads.                       |                                                                                                           |
| Requires tribal elders, some town element man     |                                                                                                           |
| ning, and portions of the other role-playing re   |                                                                                                           |
| quirements element (such as NGOs, and host or     |                                                                                                           |
| allied nation military presence).                 |                                                                                                           |
| Requires district and town elements.              |                                                                                                           |
|                                                   |                                                                                                           |
| Town/District                                     |                                                                                                           |
| Town and some district focus in the government    |                                                                                                           |
| day-to-day operations.                            |                                                                                                           |
| Provincial                                        |                                                                                                           |
| Provincial and minimal cross-border focus by      |                                                                                                           |
| the local and provincial government.              |                                                                                                           |
|                                                   |                                                                                                           |
|                                                   |                                                                                                           |
|                                                   |                                                                                                           |
| Some regional (international) elements and        |                                                                                                           |
| story themes present in the scenario. Govern      |                                                                                                           |
| ment role-players adopt a national focus at the   |                                                                                                           |
| expense of local and tribal needs. Depending      |                                                                                                           |
| upon the government type and status, up to one    |                                                                                                           |
| full role-player provincial government, district, |                                                                                                           |
| town, and other group will be required to fully   |                                                                                                           |
| replicate the level of government specified.      |                                                                                                           |
| Also requires provincial, district, town, other   |                                                                                                           |
| elements (manned at some level of capacity).      |                                                                                                           |
| National/Regional                                 |                                                                                                           |
| International and cross-border focus based on     |                                                                                                           |
| the existence of multiple regions or national     |                                                                                                           |
| borders in the scenario OE.                       |                                                                                                           |
| Subvariable Links:                                | Political: Type of Government; Social: Education level, Ethnic Diversity: Infrastructure: Transportation. |
|                                                   |                                                                                                           |

Definition: Determines the type of government structure and associated behaviors encountered.

| Subvariable Setting                                                                  |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| For live training requires robust domestic                                           |
| security apparatus, bureaucratic institutions,                                       |
| and bloated role-player government structure                                         |
| (1.5 normal manning).                                                                |
| Dictatorship/Authoritarian                                                           |
| A mode of government characterized by the                                            |
| existence of a single ruler or group who arro                                        |
| gate to themselves and monopolize power in                                           |
| the state, exercising it without restraint.                                          |
| Can only occur in the first two categories of                                        |
| social religious diversity.                                                          |
|                                                                                      |
|                                                                                      |
| Theocracy                                                                            |
| A government ruled by or subject to religious                                        |
| authority. A system of government in which                                           |
| God or a deity is held to be the civil ruler.                                        |
| Representative                                                                       |
| A representative form of governmenteither Requires specific, prominent influencers, |
|                                                                                      |
| council members be present in the scenario                                           |
| (in addition to the normal role-player govern                                        |
| ment positions).                                                                     |
| Government                                                                           |
| democratic, republic, or parliamentary in                                            |
| formwith elected representatives and ex                                             |
| ecutives. All politics are governed by will of                                       |
| people and government has limited, defined                                           |
| powers over the population.                                                          |
|                                                                                      |
|                                                                                      |
| Tribal and religious role-players present in                                         |
| scenario. Small percentage of disenfran                                              |
| chised or former government officials with                                           |
| little influence.                                                                    |
| Anarchy                                                                              |
| Absence of any form of political authority.                                          |
| Political disorder and confusion. Absence of                                         |
| any cohesive principle, such as a common                                             |
| standard or purpose.                                                                 |

Subvariable Links:  Economic: Illegal Economic Activity, Social: Education Level, Religious Diversity, Criminal Activity.


## Table 3-5. Political: Government Effectiveness And Legitimacy


Definition: *Effectiveness* refers to the capability of the government to work with society to assure the provision of order and public goods and services. *Legitimacy* refers to the perception by important segments of society that the government is exer
cising state power in ways that are reasonably fair and in the interests of the nation as a whole.

| Subvariable Setting                                                                      |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Effective: Stable                                                                        |
| The government is able and willing to provide                                            |
| adequate security and essential services to                                              |
| significant portions of its country's population. It                                     |
| provides military and police services that secure                                        |
| borders and limit crime, while being reasonable,                                         |
| equitable, and without major violation of human                                          |
| rights. It provides basic services that generally                                        |
| meet demand. Political institutions, processes,                                          |
| norms, and leaders are acceptable to the                                                 |
| citizenry and ensure adequate response to citi                                           |
| zen needs.                                                                               |
| Vulnerable:                                                                              |
| The government is recovering from crisis and The government is only partially manned and |
|                                                                                          |
| Recovering                                                                               |
| still either unable or unwilling to provide ade                                          |
| quate security and essential services to all of                                          |
| the population. The legitimacy of the central                                            |
| government may still be in question. Limited civil                                       |
| unrest.                                                                                  |
| Vulnerable: Failing                                                                      |
| The government is becoming either unable or                                              |
| unwilling to provide adequate security and es                                            |
| sential services to significant portions of the                                          |
| population. The legitimacy of the central gov                                            |
| ernment is falling into question. Increasing civil                                       |
| unrest.                                                                                  |
|                                                                                          |
| Crisis: Failing                                                                          |
| The central government does not exert effective                                          |
| control over all the country's territory. It is be                                       |
| coming unable or unwilling to provide security                                           |
| and essential services for significant portions of                                       |
| the population. The central government may be                                            |
| weak, nonexistent, or simply unable or unwilling                                         |
| to provide security or basic services. There is                                          |
| great risk of violent internal conflict.                                                 |
| Crisis: Failed                                                                           |
| The central government does not exert effective                                          |
| control over the country's territory. It is unable to                                    |
| provide security and essential services for sig                                          |
| nificant portions of the population. The central                                         |
| government is weak, nonexistent, or simply                                               |
| unable to provide security or basic services.                                            |
| Violent internal conflict is a reality.                                                  |
|                                                                                          |



For CTC replication, full complement of all spe cified role-player government positions required
in the provincial, district and town elements. Government manning determined by the type of government selected. Defined as 60-75% of all government services provided throughout the OE, 60-75% of all infrastructures present and functioning. Limited civil unrest. Limited gover nance issues and themes (no more than three). 1-2 instances of civil unrest or riots as a result of those issues and themes.


capable of administering its area. For CTC rep lication, requires 3/4 complement of all specified role-player government positions within the OE. Defined as 40-60% of all government services provided throughout the OE, 60-75% of all infra structures present and functioning. Moderate governance issues and themes (4-6, 2 of which are interrelated). Multiple (3-4) instances of civil unrest or riots as a result of those issues and themes.


The government is only partially manned and capable of administering its area. For CTC rep lication, requires 3/4 complement of all specified role-player government positions within the OE. Defined as 40-60% of all government services provided throughout the OE, 60-75% of all infra structures present and functioning. Moderate governance issues and themes (4-6, 2 of which are interrelated). Multiple (3-4) instances of civil unrest or riots as a result of those issues and themes.


The government is partially manned and mini mally capable of administering its area. For CTC replication requires 1/2 or fewer complement of all specified role-player government positions
within the OE. Defined as 20-40% of all gov
ernment services provided throughout the OE, 60-75% of all infrastructures present and func tioning. High level of governance issues and themes (8-10, 4 of which are interrelated). Mul tiple (5-6) instances of civil unrest or riots as a
result of those issues and themes.

The government is partially manned and largely incapable of administering its area. For CTC replication requires 1/4 or fewer complement of all specified role-player government positions within the OE. Defined as 20-40% of all gov ernment services provided throughout the OE, 60-75% of all infrastructures present and func tioning. High level of governance issues and themes (8-10, 4 of which are interrelated). Mul tiple (5-6) instances of civil unrest or riots as a result of those issues and themes.

Definition: Describes the number and specifies the interaction and influence of various political groups within the country, region, province, district, or town. Helps define the level of government cohesion and strife within the government.

| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition                                                                           |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Pro-Government                                     |                                                                                              |
| Major political parties generally support the      |                                                                                              |
| government in power. Minimal dissent and is        |                                                                                              |
| sues of contention.                                |                                                                                              |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |
| Presented and manifested in OE through script      |                                                                                              |
| ing and role-player sub-instructions. If desired,  |                                                                                              |
| minor issues may result in slight disruption of    |                                                                                              |
| essential government functions if unaddressed      |                                                                                              |
| or not resolved by the training unit.              |                                                                                              |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |
| Coalitions                                         |                                                                                              |
| Different political groups with competing inter    |                                                                                              |
| ests and vary in their support of the government.  |                                                                                              |
| Establishes conditions for moderate disruption     |                                                                                              |
| of essential government functions and social       |                                                                                              |
| volatility.                                        |                                                                                              |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |
| Requires the establishment of up to three differ   |                                                                                              |
| ent political groups with at least two competing   |                                                                                              |
| interests to be written into the scenario key      |                                                                                              |
| events, back-stories, and role-player sub-         |                                                                                              |
| instructions. Conflicts should be executed or      |                                                                                              |
| presented during the training exercise, using      |                                                                                              |
| power bases and role-player influencers. Issues    |                                                                                              |
| should result in the moderate disruption of es     |                                                                                              |
| sential government functions if unaddressed or     |                                                                                              |
| not resolved by the training unit.                 |                                                                                              |
| Opposition                                         |                                                                                              |
| Different political groups are opposed to the      |                                                                                              |
| government with competing interests. Estab         |                                                                                              |
| lishes conditions for major disruption of essen    |                                                                                              |
| tial government functions and social volatility.   |                                                                                              |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |
| Requires the establishment of up to three differ   |                                                                                              |
| ent political groups with at least two competing   |                                                                                              |
| interests to be written into the scenario key      |                                                                                              |
| events, back-stories, and role-player sub-         |                                                                                              |
| instructions. Conflicts should be executed or      |                                                                                              |
| presented during the training exercise, using      |                                                                                              |
| power bases and role-player influencers. Issues    |                                                                                              |
| should result in the major disruption of essential |                                                                                              |
| government functions if unaddressed or not         |                                                                                              |
| resolved by the training unit.                     |                                                                                              |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Social: Social Volatility, Education Level; Economic: Economic Diversity, Employment Status. |
|                                                    |                                                                                              |

## Military Variable



3-10. The Military variable explores the military and/or paramilitary capabilities of all relevant actors (enemy, friendly, and neutral) in a given OE. This includes nonmilitary armed and unarmed combatants. The variable focuses on giving the exercise planner the ability to design appropriate OPFOR units for full spectrum operations. The specific military subvariables and their settings are depicted in table 3-7. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-8 through 3-13.

| Variable      | Military     |
|---------------|--------------|
| Subvariable   | Military     |
| Forces        |              |
| Government    |              |
| Military      |              |
| Forces        |              |
| Non-State     |              |
| Paramilitary  |              |
| Forces        |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
| Operating     |              |
| Independently |              |
| Insurgent     |              |
| Forces        |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
| Predominantly |              |
| Tank and      |              |
| Mechanized    |              |
| Infantry      |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
| Guerrilla     |              |
| Forces        |              |
| Predominantly |              |
| Infantry      |              |
|               |              |
| Supplementing |              |
| Regular       |              |
| Military      |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
| Criminal      |              |
| Organizations |              |
|               |              |
| None          | Operating as |
| Combat        |              |
| Forces        |              |
|               |              |
| Subvariable   |              |
| Settings      |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
| Private       |              |
| Security      |              |
| Organizations |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|               |              |
|                                                  | Definition:                                                               | Specifies the types and sizes of military forces present within an OE.    |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Subvariable Settings                             | Setting Definition                                                        | Considerations and Additional Notes                                       |
| Regular military forces consisting predominantly |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| (at least 40%) of tank and mechanized infantry   |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| forces with some infantry (non-mechanized).      |                                                                           |                                                                           |
|                                                  |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Predominantly Tank                               |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| and Mechanized                                   |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Infantry                                         |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Predominantly                                    |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Infantry                                         |                                                                           |                                                                           |
|                                                  |                                                                           |                                                                           |
|                                                  |                                                                           |                                                                           |
|                                                  |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Regular military forces consisting predominantly |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| (more than 60%) of infantry forces (non          |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| mechanized) with some tank and mechanized        |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| infantry forces.                                 |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| None                                             |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| No regular military forces present.              |                                                                           |                                                                           |
| Subvariable Links:                               | Social: Education Level; Economic: Employment Status; Terrain: Landforms. |                                                                           |

Military
Functions
Unarmed
Comba
tants
Nonmilitary
Armed
Combatants
C2
Predominantly
Neutral
Information
Warfare
Personnel
Maneuver
Media
(Affiliated)
Predominantly
Friendly

Information
Warfare
Medical
(Affiliated)
Predominantly
Hostile and
Supporting
Enemy

Undetermined
RISTA
Active Sup
porters
Coerced or
Unwitting
Fire
Support

Financiers

Protection
Logistics
See
complete settings at table 3-11.


For specific tier level weapon systems, refer to
Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG) available
online at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14751393.


| Definition:                                         | Describes government forces that are distinct from regular armed forces, but resembling them in organization,    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| training, or mission.                               |                                                                                                                  |
| Subvariable Settings                                | Setting Definition                                                                                               |
| Not subordinate to or affiliated with regular mili  |                                                                                                                  |
| tary forces.                                        |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Operating                                           |                                                                                                                  |
| Independently                                       |                                                                                                                  |
| May include organizations such as police, bor       |                                                                                                                  |
| der guards, customs agents, and other internal      |                                                                                                                  |
| security forces.                                    |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Supplementing                                       |                                                                                                                  |
| Regular Military                                    |                                                                                                                  |
| Same as above with the exception that these         |                                                                                                                  |
| forces are either part of the military force or can |                                                                                                                  |
| be mobilized to support the military force.         |                                                                                                                  |
| Affiliated with or subordinate to regular military  |                                                                                                                  |
| forces but performing primarily non-combat          |                                                                                                                  |
| roles.                                              |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Operating as Combat                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| Forces                                              |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Same as above with the exception that these         |                                                                                                                  |
| forces are trained and equipped for combat          |                                                                                                                  |
| missions. Depending on the OE, they may be          |                                                                                                                  |
| equipped with light or heavy weapon systems.        |                                                                                                                  |
| Affiliated with or subordinate to regular military  |                                                                                                                  |
| forces and performing combat missions. (Units       |                                                                                                                  |
| are equipped with light weapons and sometimes       |                                                                                                                  |
| heavy weapons and armored vehicles.)                |                                                                                                                  |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Military: Non-State Paramilitary Forces; Economic: Employment Status.                                            |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Definition:                                                                                                                  | Describes forces or groups that are distinct from regular armed forces of any country, but resembling them in    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| organization, training, or mission (JP 1-02 and FM 3-07). These forces or groups may also operate in a combination of two or |                                                                                                                  |
| more of the subvariable settings below. (Not government forces.)                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| Subvariable Settings                                                                                                         | Setting Definition                                                                                               |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| Insurgent Forces                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| An                                                                                                                           | insurgency                                                                                                       |
| at the overthrow of a constituted government                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| through use of subversion and armed conflict.                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| (JP 3-05)                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| Insurgent forces                                                                                                             | are groups that conduct irregu                                                                                   |
| lar or unconventional warfare within the borders                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| of their country in order to undermine or                                                                                    |                                                                                                                  |
| overthrow a constituted government or civil                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| authority.                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| The distinction between terrorists and insur                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| gents is often blurred because of the tactics                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| employed by each. Some terrorists groups have                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| become insurgent organizations, while insurgent                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| organizations have used terror tactics. An insur                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| gent organization may use more than one form                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| of tactics and, based on its strategy, its actions                                                                           |                                                                                                                  |
| could cut across the entire spectrum of war                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| fareemploying terror, guerrilla, and conven                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| tional military tactics to achieve its goals. Typi                                                                           |                                                                                                                  |
| cally, most insurgent groups use the first two.                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| Guerrilla Forces                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| A                                                                                                                            | guerrilla force                                                                                                  |
| predominantly indigenous personnel organized                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| along military lines to conduct military and pa                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| ramilitary operations in enemy-held, hostile, or                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| denied territory. (JP 3-05)                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| Some guerrilla organizations may constitute a                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| paramilitary arm of an insurgent movement,                                                                                   |                                                                                                                  |
| while others may pursue guerrilla warfare inde                                                                               |                                                                                                                  |
| pendently from or loosely affiliated with an in                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| surgent organization. Compared to insurgent                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| organizations as a whole, guerrilla organizations                                                                            |                                                                                                                  |
| have a more military-like structure. (FM 7-100.4)                                                                            |                                                                                                                  |
| Criminal                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                  |
| Criminal                                                                                                                     | organizations                                                                                                    |
|                                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| Organizations                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| groups of people organized for the purpose of                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| acquiring money by illegal means.                                                                                            |                                                                                                                  |
| actions, terror tactics, and militarily unconven                                                                             |                                                                                                                  |
| tional methods to achieve their goals. When                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| mutual interests exist, criminal organizations                                                                               |                                                                                                                  |
| may combine efforts with insurgent and/or guer                                                                               |                                                                                                                  |
| rilla organizations controlling or operating in the                                                                          |                                                                                                                  |
| same area. A congruence of interests can also                                                                                |                                                                                                                  |
| result in criminal organizations having a close                                                                              |                                                                                                                  |
| relationship with an established government.                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| (FM 7-100.4)                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                  |
| (continued)                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                                  |
| Subvariable Settings                               | Setting Definition                                 | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                    |                                                    |                                        |
| Private Security                                   |                                                    |                                        |
| Organizations                                      |                                                    |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                    |                                        |
| A PSO sometimes acts as an adjunct to other        |                                                    |                                        |
| security measures, and provides advisors, in       |                                                    |                                        |
| struction, and personnel for host-nation military, |                                                    |                                        |
| paramilitary, and police forces, as well as for    |                                                    |                                        |
| private individuals and businesses (including      |                                                    |                                        |
| transnational corporations).                       |                                                    |                                        |
| Private security organizations (PSOs) are busi     |                                                    |                                        |
| ness enterprises or local ad hoc groups that       |                                                    |                                        |
| provide security and/or intelligence services, on  |                                                    |                                        |
| a contractual or self-interest basis, to protect   |                                                    |                                        |
| and preserve a person, facility, or operation.     |                                                    |                                        |
| (FM 7-100.4).                                      |                                                    |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Political: Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy | ;                                      |
| Activity.                                          |                                                    |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                    |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                    |                                        |


Definition: Specifies the types of unarmed personnel who, given the right conditions, may decide to purposely and materially
support hostile military or paramilitary forces in ways that do not involve possessing or using weapons. Even unarmed indi
viduals who are coerced into performing or supporting hostile actions and those who do so unwittingly can, in some cases,
be categorized as combatants. (FM 7-100.4) Subvariable Settings
Setting Definition
Considerations and Additional Notes


Media (Affiliated)
Self-explanatory.

Medical (Affiliated)
Self-explanatory.

Active Supporters
Self-explanatory.

Coerced, Unwitting Supporters
Self-explanatory.
Information Warfare Personnel
Self-explanatory.
The intent of this subvariable is to provide
a menu list from which to select those personnel or activities that provide direct or indirect support to an insurgency or similar activity. Providing these selected settings as part of an insurgency in an OE en hances a unit's training by experiencing a more complete, realistic, and complex environment.

Financiers
Self-explanatory.

Suppliers
Self-explanatory.

Lookouts
Self-explanatory.

Couriers
Self-explanatory.

IED Factory Workers
Self-explanatory.

Intelligence Collection
Self-explanatory.

Targeting Information
Self-explanatory. Self-explanatory.

Leaders (Religious, Political,
Secular, Tribal, Cultural)

Technicians and Specialists
Self-explanatory.

Criminal (Affiliated)
Self-explanatory.

Transporters
Self-explanatory.

Asylum Providers/Protectors
Self-explanatory.

Recruiters
Self-explanatory.

Camera/Video Operators
Self-explanatory.

IED Trigger Personnel
Self-explanatory.

Other Affiliated Support
Self-explanatory.
None
No unarmed combatants present.

Subvariable Links: Political: Attitude toward the United States; Economic: Economic Activity; Military: Non-State Paramilita
ry Forces, Military Functions.



Definition: Describes nonmilitary personnel who are armed but not part of an organized paramilitary or military structure.

Nevertheless, they may be disgruntled and hostile. They may also be neutral or they may support either the enemy or friend
ly (U.S. or host nation) forces. Any number of catalysts might cause them to pick a side or change sides. Their decision may or may not remain permanent. (FM 7-100.4)

| Subvariable Settings                               | Setting Definition                                                                |
|----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
| At least 50 percent neutral, with the remainder    |                                                                                   |
| split between friendly, hostile, or undetermined.  |                                                                                   |
| Predominantly                                      |                                                                                   |
| Neutral                                            |                                                                                   |
| Predominantly                                      |                                                                                   |
| Friendly                                           |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
| At least 50 percent friendly to U.S. or host na    |                                                                                   |
| tion forces, with the remainder split between      |                                                                                   |
| neutral, hostile, or undetermined.                 |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
| Predominantly                                      |                                                                                   |
| Hostile and Support                                |                                                                                   |
| ing Enemy                                          |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
| At least 50 percent hostile to U.S. or host nation |                                                                                   |
| forces or supporting the enemy, with the re        |                                                                                   |
| mainder split between neutral, friendly, or unde   |                                                                                   |
| termined.                                          |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
| Undetermined                                       |                                                                                   |
| Unable to categorize relationship.                 | This setting may be used to support training                                      |
| objectives related to determining or responding    |                                                                                   |
| correctly to nonmilitary armed combatants          |                                                                                   |
| whose affiliation is unknown.                      |                                                                                   |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Military: Unarmed Combatants; Social: Education Level; Economic: Economic Status. |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |
|                                                    |                                                                                   |

## Table 3-13. Military: Military Functions

Definition: A *military function* is a group of related tasks, activities, capabilities, operations, processes, and organizations that fulfill the specific military purpose for which they all exist. When integrated with other such functions, they contribute to the accomplishment of larger missions.

|     |     |
|-----|-----|
|     |     |
|     |     |
|     |     |

The subvariable settings (functions) listed below exist in varying degrees in most military organizations, as well as in some
paramilitary organizations. Thus, military functions as sub-subvariables can have settings on a scale of High, Medium, or
Low, defined as follows:
*High*: Can conduct sustained, complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly
forces is not limited to the theater of operations; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 1, as specified in the Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG).
*Medium*: Can conduct limited, complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly
forces is primarily limited to the theater of operations; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 2, as specified in
the WEG.
- Low: Cannot conduct complex, synchronized tasks of the selected military function; ability to influence friendly forces is
limited to local, tactical impact; and/or associated equipment is predominantly Tier 3 and below, as specified in the WEG.

| Subvariable Setting                                   | Setting Definition                      |
|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Command and                                           |                                         |
| Command and control                                   | (C2) is the actions of com-             |
|                                                       |                                         |
|                                                       |                                         |
| Control                                               |                                         |
| manders, command groups, and staffs of military       |                                         |
| headquarters to maintain continual combat readi       |                                         |
| ness and combat efficiency of forces, to plan and     |                                         |
| prepare for combat operations, and to provide         |                                         |
| leadership and direction during the execution of      |                                         |
| assigned missions. (FM 7-100.1)                       |                                         |
|                                                       |                                         |
|                                                       |                                         |
| Maneuver                                              |                                         |
| Maneuver                                              | is the employment of forces in the oper |
| ational area through movement in combination          |                                         |
| with fires to achieve a position of advantage in      |                                         |
| respect to the enemy in order to accomplish the       |                                         |
| mission. (JP 3-0) This function includes direct fire, |                                         |
| as well as mobility support and countermobility       |                                         |
| operations.                                           |                                         |
|                                                       |                                         |
| This function is linked to Information: Informa       |                                         |
| tion Warfare, which addresses each of the             |                                         |
| seven elements of information warfare.                |                                         |
| INFOWAR                                               |                                         |
| Information warfare                                   | (INFOWAR) is the specifically           |
| planned and integrated actions taken to achieve       |                                         |
| an information advantage at critical points and       |                                         |
| times. (FM 7-100.1)                                   |                                         |
| (continued)                                           |                                         |

## Table 3-13. Military: Military Functions (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                      | Setting Definition                                 |
|----------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
|                                                          |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
| RISTA includes UAVs used for reconnais                   |                                                    |
| sance.                                                   |                                                    |
| This function is linked to Information: Intelli          |                                                    |
| gence.                                                   |                                                    |
| RISTA                                                    |                                                    |
| Reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and          |                                                    |
| target acquisition                                       | (RISTA) is the combination of                      |
| capabilities, operations, and activities using all       |                                                    |
| available means to obtain information concerning         |                                                    |
| foreign nations; areas of actual or potential opera      |                                                    |
| tions; and/or the strength, capabilities, location,      |                                                    |
| status, nature of operations, and intentions of hos      |                                                    |
| tile or potentially hostile forces or elements. It in    |                                                    |
| cludes production of intelligence resulting from the     |                                                    |
| collection, processing, integration, evaluation,         |                                                    |
| analysis, and interpretation of such information. It     |                                                    |
| also includes detection, identification, and location    |                                                    |
| of a target in sufficient detail to permit the effective |                                                    |
| employment of weapons.                                   |                                                    |
| Includes offensive use of CBRN weapons.                  |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
| This function is linked to the target acquisition        |                                                    |
| portion of the RISTA function (above).                   |                                                    |
| Fire Support                                             |                                                    |
| Fire support                                             | is the collective and coordinated use              |
| of target acquisition, indirect fire weapons, aircraft,  |                                                    |
| and other lethal and nonlethal means in support of       |                                                    |
| operational or tactical objectives. (FM 7-100.1)         |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
| This function is linked to Information: Informa          |                                                    |
| tion Warfare: Protection and Security Meas               |                                                    |
| ures and, therefore, to the Information War              |                                                    |
| fare setting under Military: Military Functions          |                                                    |
| (above). It is also linked to Information Secu           |                                                    |
| rity as a subset of Information: Information             |                                                    |
| Management and to the Infrastructure varia               |                                                    |
| ble.                                                     |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
| Protection                                               |                                                    |
| Protection                                               | is the preservation of the effectiveness           |
| and survivability of mission-related military and        |                                                    |
| nonmilitary personnel (combatants and noncomba           |                                                    |
| tants), equipment, facilities, information, and infra    |                                                    |
| structure against an adversary's attempts to dam         |                                                    |
| age, degrade, or negate them and measures to             |                                                    |
| minimize the effects of such threats. The protec         |                                                    |
| tion function includes survivability measures, air       |                                                    |
| and missile defense, and CBRN defense. It also           |                                                    |
| includes information protection and security meas        |                                                    |
| ures, which are an element of information warfare.       |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
|                                                          |                                                    |
| Logistics                                                |                                                    |
| Logistics                                                | is the support activities required to sus          |
| tain operations. (FM 7-100.1)                            |                                                    |
| Subvariable Links:                                       | See notes on individual military functions, above. |
|                                                          |                                                    |

## Economic Variable



3-11. The Economic variable encompasses individual and group behaviors related to producing, distributing, and consuming resources. Specific factors impacting behavior may include economic diversity and employment opportunities within an OE. Other factors include black market or underground economies, which are alternative structures indicating weaknesses in the mainstream economy. Such factors influence people's decisions to alter or support the existing order. These decisions, if unresolved through legitimate political means, can lead to conflict. The specific economic subvariables and their settings represent replicable economic conditions that may be present within an OE and are depicted in table 3-14. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-15 through 3-19.

| Variable             | Economic    |
|----------------------|-------------|
| Subvariable          | Economic    |
| Diversity            |             |
| Employment           |             |
| Status               |             |
|                      |             |
| (None Predominant)   |             |
| High                 |             |
| Unemployment         |             |
|                      |             |
|                      |             |
| Multiple Industries  |             |
| (Single Predominant) |             |
| Medium               |             |
| Unemployment         |             |
|                      |             |
| Subvariable          |             |
| Settings             |             |
| Single Industry      |             |
| Present              |             |
| Low                  |             |
| Unemployment         |             |
|                      |             |
|                      |             |
|                      |             |
|                      |             |
| Definition:                                      | Describes three different economic industries (mining, manufacturing, or agricultural) and their relative mix that    |
|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| may exist in a given country.                    |                                                                                                                       |
| Subvariable Settings                             | Setting Definition                                                                                                    |
| Multiple Industries                              |                                                                                                                       |
| Describes the condition where multiple indus-    | For live training exercises, a series of props,                                                                       |
| (None Predominant)                               |                                                                                                                       |
| tries are present in an economy. All three indus |                                                                                                                       |
| tries are roughly equivalent in terms of their   |                                                                                                                       |
| overall contribution to the overall economy.     |                                                                                                                       |
|                                                  |                                                                                                                       |
|                                                  |                                                                                                                       |
| Multiple Industries                              |                                                                                                                       |
| Describes the condition where multiple indus-    | Same as above with the exception that the se                                                                          |
| (Single Predominant)                             |                                                                                                                       |
| tries are present in an economy but one of the   |                                                                                                                       |
| industries is more productive relative to the    |                                                                                                                       |
| others.                                          |                                                                                                                       |
Economic
Activity
Banking and
Finance
Illegal
Economic
Activity
Smuggling
Informal
Predominantly
Legal
Mixed
Theft
Developing
Formal
Predominantly
Illegal
Gang
Advanced
Formal
Black Market
Mixed
Piracy

role-player instructions and scripted activities are required that replicate a complete agricul ture, mining, manufacturing infrastructure to include harvesting, processing, and distribution. Minimum material requirements include one barn, one grain silo, one planting field; one mi neshaft and distribution site; one factory with one shop selling at least one specific product line and one distribution center.

lected predominant industry will require at least twice the amount of props and role-players to replicate predominance in that nation's econo my. Any single industry selected as predominant will cause exercise planners to ensure the pre ponderance of storylines, themes, and roleplayers are focused on that industry and all of its associated parts.
(continued)
| Subvariable Settings                              | Setting Definition                                                                                |
|---------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                   |                                                                                                   |
|                                                   |                                                                                                   |
| Describes the condition of a single, economical   |                                                                                                   |
| ly significant industry.                          |                                                                                                   |
| Single Industry                                   |                                                                                                   |
| Present                                           |                                                                                                   |
|                                                   |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above except that the selected pre        |                                                                                                   |
| dominant industry is the only one present and     |                                                                                                   |
| should also be at least twice the size of the     |                                                                                                   |
| multiple industry setting. The industry theme     |                                                                                                   |
| selected acts as the focal point for all economic |                                                                                                   |
| storylines, themes, and role-players focused on   |                                                                                                   |
| that industry and its sustainment.                |                                                                                                   |
| Subvariable Links:                                | Economic: Employment Status; Social: Education Level; Infrastructure: Urban Zones, Transportation |
| Architecture.                                     |                                                                                                   |
|                                                   |                                                                                                   |

Definition: Represents the overall employment status of the populace.

| Subvariable Settings                           | Setting Definition                                                                                  |
|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1/2 unemployment.                              |                                                                                                     |
| High Unemployment                              |                                                                                                     |
| 2/3 unemployment.                              | For live training exercises it manifests itself in                                                  |
| specific role assignments and sub-instructions |                                                                                                     |
| for role-players.                              |                                                                                                     |
| Moderate                                       |                                                                                                     |
| Unemployment                                   |                                                                                                     |
| Low Unemployment                               |                                                                                                     |
| Majority employed.                             |                                                                                                     |
| Subvariable Links:                             | Economic: Economic Diversity; Social: Education Level; Political: Government Effectiveness and Legi |
| timacy.                                        |                                                                                                     |
|                                                |                                                                                                     |
|                                                |                                                                                                     |

| Definition:                                                                                                                           | Describes the type of economic activity present in an AO.    |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| (Manifests itself in a live training environment in the form of specific activities, number of role-players required to replicate the |                                                              |
| behavior, and scenario design instructions in the form of role descriptions for different activities.)                                |                                                              |
| Subvariable Setting                                                                                                                   | Setting Definition                                           |
| Predominantly Illegal                                                                                                                 |                                                              |
| Economy lacking many products and services;                                                                                           |                                                              |
| black market operations robbery, smuggling,                                                                                           |                                                              |
| and organized crime are widespread.                                                                                                   |                                                              |
| For live training exercises, it will require a role-                                                                                  |                                                              |
| player special mission element to replicate                                                                                           |                                                              |
| those conditions. Or will require sufficient role-                                                                                    |                                                              |
| player instructions and character instructions to                                                                                     |                                                              |
| replicate these activities. Black market and                                                                                          |                                                              |
| smuggling are represented by three or more                                                                                            |                                                              |
| types of illicit goods being tradedone or more                                                                                       |                                                              |
| necessary to population well being.                                                                                                   |                                                              |
| Mixed                                                                                                                                 |                                                              |
| Legal economy mixed with some smuggling and                                                                                           |                                                              |
| black market trade in controlled items.                                                                                               |                                                              |
| Will require half role-player special mission                                                                                         |                                                              |
| element to replicate limited black market and                                                                                         |                                                              |
| some organized crime. Will also require at least                                                                                      |                                                              |
| two smuggling or black market trading themes                                                                                          |                                                              |
| written into the scenario storyline in the form of                                                                                    |                                                              |
| role-player instructions. Also requires govern                                                                                        |                                                              |
| ment ministers and regulation (customs) minis                                                                                         |                                                              |
| tries to regulate economy.                                                                                                            |                                                              |
|                                                                                                                                       |                                                              |
| Predominantly Legal                                                                                                                   |                                                              |
| Limited black market, robbery, or organized                                                                                           |                                                              |
| crime activities.                                                                                                                     |                                                              |
| Types of crime replicated: petty theft and limited                                                                                    |                                                              |
| drug or single item smuggling, distribution and                                                                                       |                                                              |
| sales. Requires up to 2 role-player special mis                                                                                       |                                                              |
| sion elements worth of personnel to populate                                                                                          |                                                              |
| district markets and replicate regional trade and                                                                                     |                                                              |
| limited black market activity. Also requires gov                                                                                      |                                                              |
| ernment ministers and regulation (customs)                                                                                            |                                                              |
| ministries to regulate economy.                                                                                                       |                                                              |
|                                                                                                                                       |                                                              |

Subvariable Links: Political: Type of Government; Economic: Employment Status; Social: Education Level, Social Volatility.



Definition: Describes the predominant type of illegal economic activities present in the AO.

| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                                                                                |
|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Smuggling                                           |                                                                                                   |
| The acquisition, distribution, and sale of a con    |                                                                                                   |
| trolled, restricted, or forbidden item.             |                                                                                                   |
| Requires the replication of all aspects of the      |                                                                                                   |
| distribution chain, from suppliers to mules, to     |                                                                                                   |
| retail customers. For live training exercises,      |                                                                                                   |
| each activity represented requires 1/4 of the       |                                                                                                   |
| role-player special mission element to replicate    |                                                                                                   |
| the activity, and role-player instructions, in addi |                                                                                                   |
| tion to scenario storyline.                         |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above.                                      |                                                                                                   |
| Theft/Looting                                       |                                                                                                   |
| Small theft rings that acquire and distribute       |                                                                                                   |
| stolen property.                                    |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above.                                      |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
| Gang/Organized                                      |                                                                                                   |
| Crime                                               |                                                                                                   |
| Criminal activities such as bribery, coercion,      |                                                                                                   |
| thuggery, protection racket, and inter-gang riva    |                                                                                                   |
| lry.                                                |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above.                                      |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
| Black Market                                        |                                                                                                   |
| The underground economy or black market is a        |                                                                                                   |
| market where all commerce is conducted with         |                                                                                                   |
| out regard to taxation, law, or regulations of      |                                                                                                   |
| trade.                                              |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above.                                      |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
| Piracy                                              |                                                                                                   |
| Robbery, hijacking, or other acts of violence on    |                                                                                                   |
| the high seas. Can also include acts committed      |                                                                                                   |
| in other major bodies of water or on a shore.       |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
| Multiple above-mentioned activities present in      |                                                                                                   |
| the AO.                                             |                                                                                                   |
| Mixed/Multiple                                      |                                                                                                   |
| Activities                                          |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above in addition to representation by      |                                                                                                   |
| multiple key events occurring during the scena      |                                                                                                   |
| rio play.                                           |                                                                                                   |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Political: Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy; Economic: Economic Activity, Social: Criminal |
| Activity.                                           |                                                                                                   |
|                                                     |                                                                                                   |
|     |     |
|-----|-----|
|     |     |

Definition: A bank is a financial institution whose primary activity is to act as a payment agent for customers and to borrow and lend money. It is an institution for receiving, keeping, and lending money in hopes of repayment. A private moneylender offers small personal loans at high rates of interest, usually higher rates than the market rate charged on credit cards or on bank overdrafts.

| Subvariable Setting                              | Setting Definition                                                                                |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                  |                                                                                                   |
| Informal                                         |                                                                                                   |
| A private moneylender type arrangement.          | For live training exercises, currency require                                                     |
| ments are enough denominations of currency to    |                                                                                                   |
| issue 20 bills of various denominations to each  |                                                                                                   |
| role-player present in the AO. Requires at least |                                                                                                   |
| one moneylender, with currency per town.         |                                                                                                   |
| Developing-Formal                                |                                                                                                   |
| Mixture of private moneylenders and banking      |                                                                                                   |
| infrastructure.                                  |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above. Also includes a bank building     |                                                                                                   |
| with props per town.                             |                                                                                                   |
| Same as above.                                   |                                                                                                   |
| Advanced-Formal                                  |                                                                                                   |
| Banking infrastructure prevalent throughout the  |                                                                                                   |
| AO. Private money lending restricted to crimi    |                                                                                                   |
| nal/gang activity.                               |                                                                                                   |
| Subvariable Links:                               | Political: Type of Government; Social: Education Level, Information: Public Communications Media. |
|                                                  |                                                                                                   |
|                                                  |                                                                                                   |

## Social Variable



3-12. The Social variable describes the cultural, religious, and ethnic makeup within an OE and the beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of society members. Societies are comprised of structured and overlapping groups and institutions, each with relative statuses and roles that support, enable, and provide opportunity to achieve personal or community expectations. Important characteristics of a social system include population demographics, migration trends, and diversity of religious and ethnic groups. Understanding these complex interrelationships in a society is vitally important for successful military missions. The specific social subvariables and their settings represent replicable social conditions that may be present within an OE and are depicted in table 3-20. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-21 through 3-29.

| Variable        | Social         |
|-----------------|----------------|
| Subvariable     | Demographic    |
| Mix             |                |
| Social          |                |
| Volatility      |                |
|                 |                |
| Balanced        | Low            |
| Competitive)    |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
| Unbalanced,     |                |
| Gender          |                |
| Subvariable     |                |
| Settings        |                |
| Moderate        | Moderate       |
| (Competitive,   |                |
| Single          | Pre            |
| dominant)       |                |
| Unbalanced, Age | High           |
| (Competitive,   |                |
| None            |                |
| Predominant)    |                |
|                 |                |
| Unbalanced,     |                |
| Gender and Age  |                |
| Subvariable     | Population     |
| Movement        |                |
| Common          |                |
| Languages       |                |
| Settled, Stable | Single         |
| Mixed           | Multiple (One  |
| Preferred)      |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
| Subvariable     |                |
| Settings        |                |
| Migrant         | Multiple (None |
| Preferred)      |                |
| IDPs            | Torture        |
|                 |                |
| Refugees        | Genocide       |
| Slavery         |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                                                   | Definition:        | Describes the gender and military age balance of the population.    |
|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Subvariable Setting                               | Setting Definition | Considerations and Additional Notes                                 |
| Balanced                                          |                    |                                                                     |
| A population consisting of equal proportions of   |                    |                                                                     |
| gender and military age.                          |                    |                                                                     |
| Unbalanced, Gender                                |                    |                                                                     |
| A population consisting of an unequal proportion  |                    |                                                                     |
| by gender (male, female) in relation to the over  |                    |                                                                     |
| all group. The military age proportion of the     |                    |                                                                     |
| population is not affected and remains the same   |                    |                                                                     |
| as if it were in a balanced setting.              |                    |                                                                     |
| Unbalanced, Age                                   |                    |                                                                     |
| A population consisting of a greater proportion   |                    |                                                                     |
| of the military age (male, female) in relation to |                    |                                                                     |
| the overall population. The gender proportion of  |                    |                                                                     |
| the population is not affected and remains the    |                    |                                                                     |
| same as if it were in a balanced setting.         |                    |                                                                     |
|                                                   |          |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|
| Education                                         |          |
| Level                                             |          |
| Ethnic                                            |          |
| Diversity                                         |          |
| Religious                                         |          |
| Diversity                                         |          |
| Single (Non-                                      |          |
| Competitive)                                      |          |
|                                                   |          |
| Multiple                                          |          |
| (Competitive,                                     |          |
| Single                                            |          |
| Predominant)                                      |          |
| Multiple                                          |          |
| (Competitive,                                     |          |
| None                                              |          |
| Predominant)                                      |          |
|                                                   | Criminal |
| Activity                                          |          |
| Human                                             |          |
| Rights                                            |          |
|                                                   |          |
| Moderate                                          | Human    |
| Trafficking                                       |          |
| High                                              | Child    |
| Warriors                                          |          |
|                                                   |          |
|                                                   |          |
|                                                   |          |
| If an unstable society is desired in constructing |          |
| an OE for training, this subvariable should be    |          |
| combined with other negative settings from        |          |
| other Social subvariables (see subvariable links  |          |
| below).                                           |          |
| (continued)                                       |          |

## Table 3-21. Social: Demographic Mix (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                            | Setting Definition                                                                                  |
|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                |                                                                                                     |
| Unbalanced, Gender                             |                                                                                                     |
| and Age                                        |                                                                                                     |
| A population consisting of unequal proportions |                                                                                                     |
| of gender (male, female) and military age in   |                                                                                                     |
| relation to the overall group.                 |                                                                                                     |
|                                                |                                                                                                     |
| Subvariable Links:                             | Political: Type of Government; Social: Social Volatility; Education Level, Criminal Activity, Human |
| Rights.                                        |                                                                                                     |
|                                                |                                                                                                     |

## Table 3-22. Social: Social Volatility


Definition: Describes the amount of conflict between religious or ethnic groups present in a society and the amount of civil unrest present.

| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition                                                                                       |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |
| 1-2 preplanned or spontaneous riots or civil       |                                                                                                          |
| disorders based on religious or ethnic strife      |                                                                                                          |
| present within the scenario.                       |                                                                                                          |
| Low                                                |                                                                                                          |
| Low intergroup conflicts. Civil unrest is minimal. |                                                                                                          |
| No significant refugee presence. High religious,   |                                                                                                          |
| ethnic, and political diversity.                   |                                                                                                          |
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |
| 3-4 preplanned or spontaneous riots or civil       |                                                                                                          |
| disorders based on religious or ethnic strife      |                                                                                                          |
| present within the scenario.                       |                                                                                                          |
| Moderate                                           |                                                                                                          |
| Moderate intergroup conflicts. Civil unrest is     |                                                                                                          |
| sporadic. Minimal refugee presence. Some lack      |                                                                                                          |
| of religious, ethnic, and political diversity.     |                                                                                                          |
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |
| 5-6 preplanned or spontaneous riots or civil       |                                                                                                          |
| disorders based on religious or ethnic strife      |                                                                                                          |
| present within the scenario.                       |                                                                                                          |
| High                                               |                                                                                                          |
| High intergroup conflicts. Civil unrest is signifi |                                                                                                          |
| cant. Large refugee presence. Significant lack of  |                                                                                                          |
| religious, ethnic, and political diversity.        |                                                                                                          |
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Political: Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy; Social: Ethnic Diversity, Religious Diversity, Educa |
| tion Level.                                        |                                                                                                          |
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |

## Table 3-23. Social: Education Level

Definition: Describes the education level of the population. (Helps determine the scripting requirements and may introduce specific scenario sub-themes into an OE.)

| Subvariable Setting                              |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| Limited                                          |
| Limited population literacy and education. Primi |
| tive education infrastructure and high unem      |
| ployment.                                        |
| Recommend 1/4 role-player population literate    |
| or educated for live training exercises. Limited |
| education infrastructure and jobs (no more than  |
| 5%).                                             |
|                                                  |
| Recommend 1/2 role-player population literate    |
| or educated. Moderate amount of education        |
| infrastructure and jobs (no more than 10%).      |
| Moderate                                         |
| Moderate population literacy and education.      |
| Some education infrastructure and moderate       |
| unemployment.                                    |
|                                                  |
| Recommend 3/4 role-player population literate    |
| or educated. High amount of education infra      |
| structure and jobs (no more than 15%).           |
| High                                             |
| High population literacy and education. Signifi  |
| cant education infrastructure and low unem       |
| ployment.                                        |

Subvariable Links: Political: Government Effectiveness and Legitimacy; Economic: Employment Status; Social: Social Vo latility.


Definition: Describes the number and specifies the interaction of various ethnic groups within a given population.

| Subvariable Setting    | Setting Definition    |
|------------------------|-----------------------|
|                        |                       |
| Self-explanatory.      |                       |
| Single Group,          |                       |
| Non-Competitive        |                       |
| (continued)            |                       |

## Table 3-24. Social: Ethnic Diversity (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                              | Setting Definition                                                                     |
|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Role-player population with one group as the     |                                                                                        |
| dominant population.                             |                                                                                        |
|                                                  |                                                                                        |
| Up to three distinct ethnic groups distributed   |                                                                                        |
| throughout a given area with one group clearly   |                                                                                        |
| identifiable as the dominant population.         |                                                                                        |
| Multiple Group,                                  |                                                                                        |
| Competitive, Single                              |                                                                                        |
| Predominant                                      |                                                                                        |
| Role-player population with no group designated  |                                                                                        |
| as the dominant population.                      |                                                                                        |
| Three or more distinct ethnic groups distributed |                                                                                        |
| throughout a given area with no group designat   |                                                                                        |
| ed as the dominant population.                   |                                                                                        |
| Multiple Group,                                  |                                                                                        |
| Competitive, None                                |                                                                                        |
| Predominant                                      |                                                                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                               | Social: Religious Diversity, Social Volatility, Population Movement, Common Languages. |
|                                                  |                                                                                        |

## Table 3-25. Social: Religious Diversity

Definition: Describes the number and specifies the interaction of various religious groups within a state or scenario popula
tion.

| Subvariable Setting                               | Setting Definition                                                                  |
|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                   |                                                                                     |
| Self-explanatory.                                 |                                                                                     |
| Single Religion, Non-                             |                                                                                     |
| Competitive                                       |                                                                                     |
| Role-player population with one group as the      |                                                                                     |
| dominant population.                              |                                                                                     |
| Up to three distinct religious groups distributed |                                                                                     |
| within a given area with one group as the domi    |                                                                                     |
| nant population.                                  |                                                                                     |
| Multiple Religions,                               |                                                                                     |
| Competitive, Single                               |                                                                                     |
| Predominant                                       |                                                                                     |
| Role-player population with no group designated   |                                                                                     |
| as the dominant population.                       |                                                                                     |
| Up to three distinct religious groups distributed |                                                                                     |
| within a given area with no group designated as   |                                                                                     |
| the dominant population.                          |                                                                                     |
| Multiple Religions,                               |                                                                                     |
| Competitive, None                                 |                                                                                     |
| Predominant                                       |                                                                                     |
| Subvariable Links:                                | Social: Ethnic Diversity, Social Volatility, Population Movement, Common Languages. |
|                                                   |                                                                                     |

## Table 3-26. Social: Population Movement

|                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Definition:                                                                                                                         | Describes the initial prevalence of migrant populations, internally displaced persons, and refugees within a coun |
| try, region, or area. (This designation does not preclude the possibility of migrant populations as a result of the training unit's |                                                                                                                   |
| action or inaction.)                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                   |
| Subvariable Setting                                                                                                                 | Setting Definition                                                                                                |
|                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| Settled, Stable                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| Population is settled, organized, and does not                                                                                      |                                                                                                                   |
| move or displace except when confronted with                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| occasions of extreme duress.                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| Mixed                                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                   |
| Part of population is settled and part moves                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| frequently.                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                                   |
| Population movement is based on the training                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| unit's activities or pre-scripted as a scenario                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| sub-event in response to training needs.                                                                                            |                                                                                                                   |
| Migrant                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                   |
| Population frequently moves as a part of the                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| normal state of affairs.                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                   |
| 1-2 special mission elements' worth of role-                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| players. Will cause the Political: Centers of Po                                                                                    |                                                                                                                   |
| litical Power subvariable to most likely be Tribal.                                                                                 |                                                                                                                   |
|                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| A person who is involuntary moved inside the                                                                                        |                                                                                                                   |
| national boundaries of his or her country.                                                                                          |                                                                                                                   |
| Internally Displaced                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                   |
| Persons                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                   |
|                                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| Refugees                                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                   |
| A person who, by reason of real or imagined                                                                                         |                                                                                                                   |
| danger, has left their home country or country of                                                                                   |                                                                                                                   |
| their nationality and is unwilling or unable to                                                                                     |                                                                                                                   |
| return.                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                   |

Subvariable Links: Economic: Employment Status; Economic Diversity; Social: Social Volatility, Common Languages.



## Table 3-27. Social: Common Languages

|                                                   | Definition:                                                     | The preferred language(s) of a specific country or region or lack thereof.    |
|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Subvariable Setting                               | Setting Definition                                              | Considerations and Additional Notes                                           |
| Self-explanatory.                                 |                                                                 |                                                                               |
|                                                   |                                                                 |                                                                               |
|                                                   |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Single Preferred and                              |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Predominant                                       |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Language                                          |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| For CTC replication, requires relatively high re  |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| sources and support for an OE with multiple lan   |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| guages in terms of role-players and interpreters. |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Country or region where several languages         |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| exist but one is recognized and used by the       |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| population as the preferred language.             |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Multiple Languages                                |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| with One the                                      |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Preferred Language                                |                                                                 |                                                                               |
|                                                   |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Same as above.                                    |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Multiple Languages                                |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| with No Preferred                                 |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| or Predominant                                    |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Language                                          |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Country or region where there is no preferred     |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| or predominant language. Frequently found in      |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| failed nation-states or states where the na       |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| tional language is not used except in specia      |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| lized areas such as commerce.                     |                                                                 |                                                                               |
| Subvariable Links:                                | Social: Demographic Mix, Ethnic Diversity, Population Movement. |                                                                               |

## Table 3-28. Social: Criminal Activity

| Definition:                                               | Defines the level of criminal activity present in a society.                                       |                                     |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Subvariable Setting                                       | Setting Definition                                                                                 | Considerations and Additional Notes |
| Limited                                                   |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| Limited criminal activity.                                | For CTC replication, 1-2 activities present from criminal                                          |                                     |
| activity. Limited to up to 30% of the total urban land    |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| scape.                                                    |                                                                                                    |                                     |
|                                                           |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| Moderate                                                  |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| Moderate criminal activity present.                       | For CTC replication, 1-3 activities present from criminal                                          |                                     |
| activity. Limited to up to 50% of the total urban land    |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| scape. Presence of at least one criminal gang distributed |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| throughout the scenario environment.                      |                                                                                                    |                                     |
|                                                           |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| High                                                      |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| High criminal activity present.                           | For CTC replication, 3-4 activities present from criminal                                          |                                     |
| activity. Two or more rival criminal gangs or organiza    |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| tions present and active in the scenario (manifested by   |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| competition, gang or mob warfare). Limited to presence    |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| in 75% of the total urban landscape.                      |                                                                                                    |                                     |
| Subvariable Links:                                        | Political: Type of Government; Military: Non-State Paramilitary Forces; Economic: Illegal Economic |                                     |
| Activity.                                                 |                                                                                                    |                                     |
|                                                           |                                                                                                    |                                     |

## Table 3-29. Social: Human Rights



Definition: *Human rights* refer to the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. Examples of rights and freedoms that have come to be commonly thought of as human rights include: civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and economic and social rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education.



The most widely recognized international documentation of human rights is the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR), which has been ratified by the majority of the world's nations. However, many nations still struggle or refuse to implement all of the provisions of this declaration. Understanding whether and to what extent each country or region is complying with internationally recognized human rights is critical to the success of military operations. Below are some of the more blatant areas of violation within human rights. These are areas the U.S. military has faced in the recent past that may be important to understand in a future AO.

| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition    |
|----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
|                                                    |                       |
|                                                    |                       |
| Women                                              |                       |
| Issues relating to the political, economic, civil, |                       |
| social, and educational rights of women.           |                       |
|                                                    |                       |
| Examples of issues related to these areas are      |                       |
| voting rights, employment discrimination, sexual   |                       |
| discrimination, honor killings, forced and early   |                       |
| marriages, reproductive rights, health care, and   |                       |
| educational discrimination.                        |                       |
| (continued)                                        |                       |

## Table 3-29. Social: Human Rights (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                   |
|-------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                       |
| Human Trafficking                                     |
| Human trafficking is the commerce and trade in        |
| the movement or migration of people, legal and        |
| illegal, including legitimate labor activities as     |
| well as forced labor. The term is used in a more      |
| narrow sense by advocacy groups to mean the           |
| recruitment, transportation, harboring, or receipt    |
| of people for the purposes of slavery, prostitu       |
| tion, forced labor (including bonded labor or         |
| debt bondage), and servitude.                         |
|                                                       |
| Child Warriors                                        |
| Child warriors are the result of forced or com        |
| pulsory recruitment of anyone under the age of        |
| 18 for use in armed conflict. This can include        |
| children taking direct part in hostilities or used in |
| support roles such as porters, spies, messen          |
| gers, or lookouts.                                    |
| Torture                                               |
| Torture, according to the UN Convention               |
| Against Torture, is: "any act by which severe         |
| pain and suffering, whether physical or mental,       |
| is intentionally inflicted on a person for such       |
| purposes as obtaining from him, or a third per        |
| son, information or a confession, punishing him       |
| for an act he or a third person has committed or      |
| is suspected of having committed, or intimidat        |
| ing or coercing him or a third person, or for any     |
| reason based on discrimination of any kind,           |
| when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at     |
| the instigation of or with the consent or acquies     |
| cence of a public official or other person acting     |
| in an official capacity. It does not include pain or  |
| suffering arising only from, inherent in, or inci     |
| dental to, lawful sanctions."                         |
| Genocide                                              |
| The 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and          |
| Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (CPPCG).          |
| Article 2, defines genocide as: "any of the fol       |
| lowing acts committed with intent to destroy, in      |
| whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or    |
| religious group, as such: killing members of the      |
| group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to       |
| members of the group; deliberately inflicting on      |
| the group conditions of life, calculated to bring     |
| about its physical destruction in whole or in part;   |
| imposing measures intended to prevent births          |
| within the group; [and] forcibly transferring child   |
| ren of the group to another group."                   |
|                                                       |
| Slavery                                               |
| Slavery is a form of forced labor in which people     |
| are considered to be, or treated as, the property     |
| of others. Slaves are held against their will from    |
| the time of their capture, purchase, or birth, and    |
| are deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to      |
| work, or to receive compensation (such as wag         |
| es).                                                  |
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, with the total annual reve
nue for trafficking in persons estimated to be between $5 billion and $9 billion. (Fact Sheet 1, Economic Roots of Trafficking in the UNECE Region, Geneva, 15 Dec 04).
In over 20 countries around the world, children are direct participants in war. Denied a child hood and often subjected to horrific violence, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 children are serv ing as soldiers for both rebel groups and gov ernment forces in current armed conflicts.


Torture is widely considered to be a violation of human rights, and is declared to be unaccepta ble by Article 5 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Signatories of the Third Ge neva Convention and Fourth Geneva Conven tion officially agree not to torture prisoners in armed conflicts. Torture is also prohibited by the UN Convention Against Torture, which has been ratified by 145 states. However, Amnesty Inter national estimates that at least 81 world gov ernments currently practice torture, some open ly.


To commit genocide, the perpetrators need a strong, centralized authority and bureaucratic organization as well as pathological individuals and criminals. Also required is a campaign of vilification and dehumanization of the victims by the perpetrators, who are usually new states or new regimes attempting to impose conformity to a new ideology and its model of society. Exam ples of recent acts of genocide are Rwanda, Former Yugoslavia, and Sudan.

Evidence of slavery predates written records, and has existed to varying extents, forms and periods in almost all cultures and continents. In some societies, slavery existed as a legal insti tution or socio-economic system, but today it is formally outlawed in nearly all countries. Never theless, the practice continues in various forms around the world. Freedom from slavery is an internationally recognized human right. Article 4 of the UDHR states: "No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms."


## Information Variable



3-13. The Information variable describes the nature, scope, characteristics, and effects of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information. Information involves the access, use, manipulation, distribution, and reliance on information technology systems, both civilian and military, by an entity (state or non-state). Understanding whatever communication infrastructure exists in an OE is important because it ultimately controls the flow of information to the population and military and/or paramilitary forces, as well as influencing local and international audiences. Communication availability can act as a leveling function with regard to mitigating military technical advantages to a surprising extent. Military units must understand and engage in the information environment in order to achieve their objectives. The specific information subvariables and their settings represent replicable conditions that may be present within an OE and are depicted in table 3-30. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-31 through 3-34.

| Variable        | Information    |
|-----------------|----------------|
|                 |                |
| Information     |                |
| Warfare         |                |
| Subvariable     | Public         |
| Communications  |                |
| Media           |                |
|                 | Internet       |
| Warfare         |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
| Television      | Computer       |
| Warfare         |                |
| Subvariable     |                |
| Settings        |                |
| Radio           | Information    |
| Attack          |                |
| Print Media     | Deception      |
| Intelligence    |                |
| Telephone       | Physical       |
| Destruction     |                |
| Postal and      |                |
| Courier Service |                |
| Protection and  |                |
| Security        |                |
| Measures        |                |
| Word of Mouth   | Perception     |
| Management      |                |
|                 |                |

Definition: Describes the type of information or media sources that may be available to the public in an OE.

(The individual media as sub-subvariables can have settings reflecting the level of availability: None = nonexistent; Limited = available in large cities only; Moderate = available in cities and some towns; Widespread = available down to town level.)

| Subvariable Setting                                                      | Setting Definition                                                           |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                          |                                                                              |
| Internet                                                                 |                                                                              |
| Self-explanatory.                                                        | Interruptible, 4-5 building intranet access per town, capable of replicating |
| an Internet capable of hosting at least 6 dynamic pages or sites consist |                                                                              |
| ing of the following site types: 2 weblogs, 2 Internet chat rooms, and 2 |                                                                              |
| news websites.                                                           |                                                                              |
|                                                                          |                                                                              |
| Television                                                               |                                                                              |
| Self-explanatory.                                                        | A single channel, cable broadcast capability with a connected studio pro     |
| duction site (located in exercise area), associated personnel, and suffi |                                                                              |
| cient programming to broadcast 10 hours per day.                         |                                                                              |
| Intelligence    | Information    |
|-----------------|----------------|
| Management      |                |
| Rudimentary     |                |
| Intelligence    |                |
| Basic           | Human          |
| Intelligence    |                |
| Medium          | Signals        |
| Intelligence    |                |
| Advanced        |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |
|                 |                |



(continued)
| Subvariable Setting                                                                                                            | Setting Definition                                                                                    |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Radio                                                                                                                          |                                                                                                       |
| Self-explanatory.                                                                                                              | An AM or FM radio broadcast station, with associated personnel, and the                               |
| ability to broadcast programming for 10 hours per day for the duration of                                                      |                                                                                                       |
| an exercise. Broadcast and studio facilities would ideally be located in the                                                   |                                                                                                       |
| exercise area to enhance play.                                                                                                 |                                                                                                       |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Print Media                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                       |
| Self-explanatory.                                                                                                              | Media personnel (role-players) and associated equipment required to                                   |
| create and locally produce a single-page newspaper or flyer. Minimum of                                                        |                                                                                                       |
| one production element present per 2 towns.                                                                                    |                                                                                                       |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Telephone                                                                                                                      |                                                                                                       |
| Self-explanatory.                                                                                                              | Landline and/or mobile telephone service.                                                             |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Self-explanatory.                                                                                                              | Postal or courier personnel (role-players) and associated transportation                              |
| means.                                                                                                                         |                                                                                                       |
| Postal and                                                                                                                     |                                                                                                       |
| Courier Service                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Word of Mouth                                                                                                                  |                                                                                                       |
| Self-explanatory.                                                                                                              | Scripted instructions to role-players to report specific information, relay                           |
| certain data, or to spontaneously report on specific activities.                                                               |                                                                                                       |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
|                                                                                                                                |                                                                                                       |
| Subvariable Links:                                                                                                             | Economic: Banking and Finance; Social: Social Volatility, Ethnic Diversity, Criminal Activity, Common |
| Languages; Information: Information Management; Infrastructure: Utility Level, Utilities Present, Transportation Architecture. |                                                                                                       |


Definition: *Information warfare* (INFOWAR) is the specifically planned and integrated actions taken to achieve an informa
tion advantage at critical points and times. (FM 7-100.1) INFOWAR consists of seven elements: electronic warfare (EW), computer warfare, information attack, deception, physical destruction, protection and security measures, and perception management. These elements do not exist in isolation from one another and are not mutually exclusive. (FM 7-100.1) (INFOWAR elements as sub-subvariables can have settings on a scale of 1 to 5: 1 = Very Limited; 2 = Limited; 3 = Mod erate; 4 = Good; 5 = Superior.)

| Subvariable Setting                              | Setting Definition    |
|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
|                                                  |                       |
|                                                  |                       |
| Electronic Warfare                               |                       |
| Consists of countermeasures conducted to         |                       |
| control or deny other actors' use of the electro |                       |
| magnetic spectrum, while ensuring one's own      |                       |
| use of it. EW capabilities allow an actor to ex  |                       |
| ploit, deceive, degrade, disrupt, damage, or     |                       |
| destroy sensors, processors, and C2 nodes.       |                       |
| (FM 7-100.1)                                     |                       |
|                                                  |                       |
|                                                  |                       |
|                                                  |                       |

At a minimum, the goal of EW is to control the use of the electromagnetic spectrum at critical locations and times or to attack a specific system. To accomplish these EW goals and objectives, actors can employ both lethal and nonlethal measures. *Lethal EW* activities include the physi
cal destruction of high-priority targets supporting another actor's decisionmaking processsuch as reconnaissance sensors, command posts, and communications systems. They also in clude activities such as lethal air defense sup pression measures. If available, precision muni tions can degrade or eliminate high-technology C2 assets and associated links. Nonlethal EW means range from signals reconnaissance and electronic jamming to the deployment of protec tive countermeasures and deception jammers. Sophisticated camouflage, deception, decoy, or mockup systems can degrade the effects of enemy reconnaissance, intelligence, surveil lance, and target acquisition (RISTA) systems. Also, an actor can employ low-cost GPS jam mers to disrupt another actor's precision muni tions targeting, sensor-to-shooter links, and navigation. (FM 7-100.1)
(continued)

## Table 3-32. Information: Information Warfare (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                  | Setting Definition    | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Computer Warfare                                     |                       |                                        |
| Consists of attacks that focus specifically on com-  |                       |                                        |
| puter systems, networks, and/or nodes. This in-      |                       |                                        |
| cludes a wide variety of activities, ranging from    |                       |                                        |
| unauthorized access (hacking) of information sys-    |                       |                                        |
| tems for intelligence-collection purposes, to the    |                       |                                        |
| insertion of malicious software (viruses, worms,     |                       |                                        |
| logic bombs, or Trojan horses) and deceptive         |                       |                                        |
| information entry into computer systems. Such        |                       |                                        |
| attacks concentrate on the denial of service and     |                       |                                        |
| disruption or manipulation of the integrity of the   |                       |                                        |
| information infrastructure. (FM 7-100.1)             |                       |                                        |
|                                                      |                       |                                        |
| Information Attack                                   |                       |                                        |
| An                                                   | information attack    | (IA) focuses on the inten-             |
| tional disruption or distortion of information in a  |                       |                                        |
| manner                                               | that                  | supports                               |
| INFOWAR campaign. Unlike computer warfare            |                       |                                        |
| attacks that target the information systems, IAs     |                       |                                        |
| target the information itself. (FM 7-100.1)          |                       |                                        |
| Deception                                            |                       |                                        |
| Deception activities include measures designed       |                       |                                        |
| to mislead adversaries by manipulation, distor-      |                       |                                        |
| tion, or falsification of information. The aim of    |                       |                                        |
| deception is to influence opponents' situational     |                       |                                        |
| understanding and lead them to act in a manner       |                       |                                        |
| that is prejudicial to their own interests or favors |                       |                                        |
| the actor employing the deception. (FM 7-100.1)      |                       |                                        |
| Physical Destruction                                 |                       |                                        |
| Physical                                             | destruction,          | as                                     |
| INFOWAR, involves measures to destroy critical       |                       |                                        |
| components of the enemy's information infra-         |                       |                                        |
| structure. (FM 7-100.1)                              |                       |                                        |
| Protection and                                       |                       |                                        |
| The purpose of protection and security meas-         |                       |                                        |
| Protection and security measures conducted as        |                       |                                        |
| Security Measures                                    |                       |                                        |
| ures in INFOWAR is to protect one's own infor-       |                       |                                        |
| mation infrastructure, maintain one's own capa-      |                       |                                        |
| bilities for effective C2, and deny protected in-    |                       |                                        |
| formation to other actors. (FM 7-100.1)              |                       |                                        |


Actors may attempt to accomplish these activities through the use of agents or third-party
individuals with direct access to another actor's information systems. They can also continually access and attack systems at great distances via communications links such as the Internet or various wireless devices. (FM 7-100.1)

An IA may target an information system for sabotage (electronically or physically) or manipulate and exploit information. This may involve altering data, stealing data, or forcing a system
to perform a function for which it was not intended. (FM 7-100.1)


Deception measures are a part of every military operation, and are also used to achieve political and economic goals. The international media may be a target for deceptive information at the operational level, being fed false stories and video that portrays tactical-level actions with the goal of influencing operational or even strategic decisions. (FM 7-100.1)

Forms of deception that support IW range from physical decoys and electronic devices, to operational activities, to casualty "photo ops"
staged for unsuspecting media personnel. Successful deception activities depend on the identification and exploitation of enemy information systems and networks, as well as other "conduits" for introducing deceptive information. (FM 7-100.1)

The OPFOR integrates all types of conventional and precision weapon systems to conduct the destructive fires, to include fixed- and rotarywing aviation, cannon artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and surface-to-surface missiles. It can also utilize other means of destruction, such
as explosives delivered by special-purpose
forces (SPF), insurgents, terrorists, or even coopted civilians. Physical destruction activities can be integrated with jamming to maximize their effects. (FM 7-100.1)


part of INFOWAR include
- Information collection, processing, and utilization.
- Reconnaissance and counterreconnaissance. - Information and operations security. - Camouflage, concealment, cover, and decep-


tion.
- Force protection.
- Secure use of information-collection and
processing systems.
An actor's capability against its main opponent can come from a high-tech asset or a low-tech approach. (FM 7-100.1)

(continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                                                                         | Setting Definition                               |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Perception                                                                                                  |                                                  |
| Perception management involves measures                                                                     | Enemy or foreign audiences, as well as the local |
| population, may be targets of perception man                                                                |                                                  |
| agement. Perception management can include                                                                  |                                                  |
| misinformation, media manipulation, and psy                                                                 |                                                  |
| chological warfare. (FM 7-100.1)                                                                            |                                                  |
| Management                                                                                                  |                                                  |
| aimed at creating a perception of truth that                                                                |                                                  |
| furthers an actor's objective. It integrates sever                                                          |                                                  |
| al widely differing activities that use a combina                                                           |                                                  |
| tion of true, false, misleading, or manipulated                                                             |                                                  |
| information. (FM 7-100.1)                                                                                   |                                                  |
|                                                                                                             |                                                  |
|                                                                                                             |                                                  |
|                                                                                                             |                                                  |
| Psychological warfare                                                                                       | (PSYWAR) is the capa                             |
| bility and activities designed to influence se                                                              |                                                  |
| lected friendly, neutral, and/or hostile target                                                             |                                                  |
| audiences' attitudes and behaviors in support of                                                            |                                                  |
| the actor. PSYWAR can target either specific                                                                |                                                  |
| decisionmaking systems or the entire informa                                                                |                                                  |
| tion system of the target audience, while in                                                                |                                                  |
| fluencing key communicators and decisionmak                                                                 |                                                  |
| ers. Such attacks target an enemy's perceived                                                               |                                                  |
| centers of gravity. For example, prolonging an                                                              |                                                  |
| operation and using all forms of media to show                                                              |                                                  |
| the devastation of conflict can sway public opi                                                             |                                                  |
| nion against the effort. (FM 7-100.1)                                                                       |                                                  |
| Many actors skillfully employ media and other                                                               |                                                  |
| neutral actors, such as NGOs, to influence fur                                                              |                                                  |
| ther public and private perceptions. Actors can                                                             |                                                  |
| exploit the international media's willingness to                                                            |                                                  |
| report information without independent and                                                                  |                                                  |
| timely confirmation. Individuals such as agents                                                             |                                                  |
| of influence, sympathizers, and antiwar prote                                                               |                                                  |
| sters are also employed advantageously to                                                                   |                                                  |
| influence the enemy's media, politicians, and                                                               |                                                  |
| citizenry. (FM 7-100.1)                                                                                     |                                                  |
| Military: Military Functions; Information: Information Management; Infrastructure: Utility Level, Utilities | Subvariable Links:                               |
| Present.                                                                                                    |                                                  |
|                                                                                                             |                                                  |

Definition: The product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of
available information concerning foreign nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or elements, or areas of actual or poten
tial operations. The term is also applied to the activity which results in the product and to the organizations engaged in such
activity. (JP 2-0)
Subvariable Setting
Setting Definition
Considerations and Additional Notes
Information of potential intelligence value that is available to the general public. (JP 2-0)
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)

OSINT is derived from the systematic collection, processing, and analysis of publicly available, rele vant information in response to intelligence require ments. (FM 2-0)
OSINT is produced from publicly available information that is collected, exploited, and disseminated in a timely manner to an appro priate audience for the purpose of addressing a specific intelligence requirement. (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006)
Human
Intelligence
A category of intelligence derived from information
Special-purpose forces (SPF) are a major
(HUMINT)
collected and provided by human sources. (JP 2-0)
source of human intelligence (HUMINT). (FM 7-100.1)
HUMINT is the collection or foreign information by a trained HUMINT collectorfrom people and multimedia to identify elements, intentions, com position, strength, dispositions, tactics, equipment, personnel, and capabilities. It uses human sources as a tool and a variety of collection methods, both passively and actively, to collect information. (FM 2-0)
(continued)
| Subvariable Setting                                  | Setting Definition                            | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Signals                                              | Intelligence                                  |                                        |
| 1. A category of intelligence comprising either      | In OPFOR terminology,                         | signals reconnais-                     |
|                                                      |                                               |                                        |
| (SIGINT)                                             |                                               |                                        |
| individually or in combination all communications    |                                               |                                        |
| intelligence, electronic intelligence, and foreign   |                                               |                                        |
| instrumentation                                      | signals                                       | intelligence,                          |
| transmitted. 2. Intelligence derived from communi    |                                               |                                        |
| cations, electronic, and foreign instrumentation     |                                               |                                        |
| signals. (JP 1-02)                                   |                                               |                                        |
| sance                                                | is an integral part of information war        |                                        |
| fare. The overall scope of signals reconnais         |                                               |                                        |
| sance includes the interception, analysis, and       |                                               |                                        |
| exploitation of electromagnetic (radio and           |                                               |                                        |
| radar) emissions, coupled with measures to           |                                               |                                        |
| disrupt or destroy the enemy's radio and ra          |                                               |                                        |
| dar assets. (FM 7-100.1)                             |                                               |                                        |
|                                                      |                                               |                                        |
| SIGINT is intelligence produced by exploiting for    |                                               |                                        |
| eign communication systems and noncommunica          |                                               |                                        |
| tions emitters. (JP 2-0)                             |                                               |                                        |
| The SIGINT discipline is comprised of communica      |                                               |                                        |
| tions intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence |                                               |                                        |
| (ELINT), and foreign instrumentation signals intel   |                                               |                                        |
| ligence (FISINT). (FM 2-0)                           |                                               |                                        |
| Imagery Intelligence                                 |                                               |                                        |
| The technical, geographic, and intelligence infor-   | IMINT is intelligence derived from the exploi |                                        |
| (IMINT)                                              |                                               |                                        |
| mation derived through the interpretation or analy   |                                               |                                        |
| sis of imagery and collateral materials. (JP 2-03)   |                                               |                                        |
|                                                      |                                               |                                        |
| tation of imagery collected by visual photo          |                                               |                                        |
| graphy, infrared, lasers, multi-spectral sen         |                                               |                                        |
| sors, and radar. These sensors produce im            |                                               |                                        |
| ages of objects optically, electronically, or        |                                               |                                        |
| digitally on film, electronic display devices, or    |                                               |                                        |
| other media. (FM 2-0)                                |                                               |                                        |

Subvariable Links:  Military: Military Functions; Social: Education Level; Information: Information Warfare, Information Management.


Definition: *Information Management* is the science of using procedures and information systems to collect, process, store, display, disseminate, and protect knowledge products, data, and information. (FM 3-0). It employs both staff management and automatic processes to focus a vast array of information and make relevant information available to the right person at the right time. Effective information managementsynchronized with reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) operationsenables commanders to gain and maintain information superiority. The level of Information management is defined by management, systems, and security. The three are intertwined and are therefore addressed as a composite capability in this subvariable.



Information Systems: The equipment and facilities that collect, process, store, display and disseminate information. This includes computershardware and softwareand communications, as well as policies and procedures for their use. (FM 3 0) Information systems and information management appear similar because they are intertwined. The sophistication of the information systems largely determines the capability of military command and control (C2) and civil interconnectivity.



Information Security: The protection of information and information systems against unauthorized access or modification of information, whether in storage, processing, or transit, and against denial of services to authorized users. (JP 3-13) Informa
tion security includes those measures necessary to detect, document, and counter such threats. Information security is com posed of computer security and communications security.

| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition            | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                    |                               |                                        |
| Relevant information                               | is all information of impor   |                                        |
| tance to commanders and staffs in the exercise     |                               |                                        |
| of command and control. (FM 3-0)                   |                               |                                        |
| Information superiority                            | is the operational advan      |                                        |
| tage derived from the ability to collect, process, |                               |                                        |
| and disseminate an uninterrupted flow of infor     |                               |                                        |
| mation while exploiting or denying an adver        |                               |                                        |
| sary's ability to do the same (JP 3-13).           |                               |                                        |
| Rudimentary                                        |                               |                                        |
| Individuals or small groups supported by state-    |                               |                                        |
| sponsored institutions (military or civilian) and  |                               |                                        |
| non-state international groups.                    | Military                      | uses                                   |
| computers, analog, Internet, cell phones, radios,  |                               |                                        |
| satellite phones, etc. Limited-to-no military au   |                               |                                        |
| tomated information management systems.            |                               |                                        |
| Commercial                                         | , business, and finance stand |                                        |
| alone systems. Communications systems sepa         |                               |                                        |
| rate but basic. 0 to 24% encrypted (secure).       |                               |                                        |
| (continued)                                        |                               |                                        |

## Table 3-34. Information: Information Management (Continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                     | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
| Allows commanders to take advantage of oppor        |                                        |                                        |
| tunities, while denying adversary commanders        |                                        |                                        |
| the information needed to make timely and ac        |                                        |                                        |
| curate decisions or leading them to make deci       |                                        |                                        |
| sions favorable to friendly forces.                 |                                        |                                        |
| Basic                                               |                                        |                                        |
| Integrated digital information management sys       |                                        |                                        |
| tems.                                               | Military:                              | digitized: computerized reports,       |
| direct GPS and encryption (selected), direct        |                                        |                                        |
| sensor-to-shooter links, laser range-finders, Inter |                                        |                                        |
| net, broadcast tactical warning systems.            | Com                                    |                                        |
| mercial                                             | , business, communications and finance |                                        |
| systems linked locally but not integrated. 25% to   |                                        |                                        |
| 50% encrypted (secure).                             |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
| Medium                                              | Windows of information domination.     | Military                               |
| integrated battlefield management systems,          |                                        |                                        |
| integrated C2, navigation, fire control, RISTA,     |                                        |                                        |
| image, maps, video, encrypted to battalion level,   |                                        |                                        |
| with or without SATCOM, GPS to squad level.         |                                        |                                        |
| Some                                                | commercial                             | , business, communications             |
| and finance systems integrated locally, others      |                                        |                                        |
| linked. Some linked internationally. 51% to 75%     |                                        |                                        |
| encrypted (secure).                                 |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
|                                                     |                                        |                                        |
| Advanced                                            |                                        |                                        |
| Advanced (state-of-the-art) information systems.    |                                        |                                        |
| Maintains information superiority. Creates condi    |                                        |                                        |
| tions that allow commanders to shape the OE         |                                        |                                        |
| and enhance the effects of all elements of com      |                                        |                                        |
| bat power.                                          | Military                               | : U.S. Joint Tactical Informa          |
| tion Distribution System (JTIDS) and/or Blue (&     |                                        |                                        |
| Red) Force Tracker or foreign equivalent. Tech      |                                        |                                        |
| nological advancements in automated informa         |                                        |                                        |
| tion systems and communications allow com           |                                        |                                        |
| manders to see the battlefield as actions unfold,   |                                        |                                        |
| near real-time, and to rapidly pass information     |                                        |                                        |
| across their AOs.                                   | Commercial                             | , business,                            |
| communications, and finance systems inte            |                                        |                                        |
| grated locally and internationally. 76% to 90%      |                                        |                                        |
| encrypted (secure).                                 |                                        |                                        |

Subvariable Links: Military: Military Functions; Social: Education Level; Information: Information Warfare; Infrastructure:
Utility Level.



## Infrastructure Variable



3-14. The Infrastructure variable is composed of the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. The degradation or destruction of infrastructure will impact the entire OE, especially the Political, Military, Economic, Social, and Information variables. This variable also reflects the infrastructure sophistication of an OE. The specific infrastructure subvariables and their settings represent replicable conditions that may be present within an OE and are depicted in table 3-35. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3- 36 through 3-41.

| Variable       | Infrastructure    |
|----------------|-------------------|
| Subvariable    | Construc          |
| tion Pattern   |                   |
| Urban          |                   |
| Zones          |                   |
| Urbanized      |                   |
| Building       |                   |
| Density        |                   |
|                |                   |
| City Core      | Low               |
| Random         |                   |
|                |                   |
| Medium         | Water             |
|                |                   |
| Close Orderly  |                   |
| Block          |                   |
| Core           |                   |
| Periphery      |                   |
|                |                   |
|                |                   |
| High           | Sewage            |
| Subvariable    |                   |
| Settings       |                   |
| Strip Area     | High-Rise         |
| Residential    |                   |
| Shantytown     | Low-Rise          |
| Residential    |                   |
|                | Services and      |
| Transportation |                   |
|                |                   |
| Commercial     |                   |
| Area           |                   |
|                |                   |
| Industrial     |                   |
| Area           |                   |
|                | Military Area     |
|                |                   |
|                |                   |
| Subvariable Setting                               |
|---------------------------------------------------|
| Dense, Random                                     |
| Construction                                      |
| Urban area consisting of closely packed build     |
| ings with little set-back from narrow winding     |
| streets that often radiate in an irregular manner |
| from a single area, such as a religious building, |
| dock area, or government center.                  |
| Close Orderly Block                               |
| Construction                                      |
|                                                   |
|                                                   |
| Urban area consisting of residential and          |
| commercial type buildings forming distinct rec    |
| tangular blocks. Buildings frequently share a     |
| continuous front along the street for as much as  |
| a city block, and inner-block courtyards are      |
| common. Streets are generally wider and form      |
| rectangular patterns.                             |
Utilities
Present
Utility Level
Transportation
Architecture


This construction pattern is typical in old walled towns and cities and old port towns and cities. Frequently found in city core and core periphery zones. May also be found in towns and villages.

This construction pattern is often typical of a designed or planned urban area. Frequently found in city core and core periphery zones.
| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                                                                                     |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| Strip Area                                          |                                                                                                        |
| A strip area is a small urban area predominately    |                                                                                                        |
| built along a transportation route, such as a       |                                                                                                        |
| road or river. Usually assumes a long, thin,        |                                                                                                        |
| linear pattern.                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| The strip area may stand alone or be linked be      |                                                                                                        |
| tween nearby larger urban areas. If visibility is   |                                                                                                        |
| good and enough effective fields of fire are availa |                                                                                                        |
| ble, a unit acting as a security force need occupy  |                                                                                                        |
| only a few strong positions spread out within the   |                                                                                                        |
| strip. This will deceive the enemy, when engaged    |                                                                                                        |
| at long ranges, into thinking the strip is an exten |                                                                                                        |
| sive defensive line. Strip areas often afford cov   |                                                                                                        |
| ered avenues of withdrawal to the flanks once the   |                                                                                                        |
| attacking force is deployed and before the security |                                                                                                        |
| force becomes decisively engaged.                   |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| Shantytown                                          |                                                                                                        |
| Random arrangement of poorly constructed            |                                                                                                        |
| structures made of any scrap material available,    |                                                                                                        |
| irregularly laid out, and connected by walking      |                                                                                                        |
| paths that may not accommodate vehicular            |                                                                                                        |
| traffic.                                            |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| Shantytowns are typically areas composed of         |                                                                                                        |
| low income or unemployed elements of the            |                                                                                                        |
| population who live in poorly constructed build     |                                                                                                        |
| ings or older buildings in various states of de     |                                                                                                        |
| cay. Most towns and villages in third world coun    |                                                                                                        |
| tries have shantytowns that often can be found      |                                                                                                        |
| in multiple zones throughout the area.              |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| Structures within shantytowns are constructed       |                                                                                                        |
| from readily available materials, such as card      |                                                                                                        |
| board, tin, adobe, or concrete block. These less    |                                                                                                        |
| structurally sound buildings have no common         |                                                                                                        |
| floor pattern and are more likely to have only      |                                                                                                        |
| one room.                                           |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
| Random arrangement of structures, absence of        |                                                                                                        |
| formal street naming, and often the lack of easi    |                                                                                                        |
| ly identifiable buildings and terrain create chal   |                                                                                                        |
| lenges. The temporary nature of the structures      |                                                                                                        |
| can mean that mobility can be either more or        |                                                                                                        |
| less restricted than other sections of an urban     |                                                                                                        |
| area. Mobility becomes more restrictive as the      |                                                                                                        |
| narrow paths often do not accommodate ve            |                                                                                                        |
| hicles. Weak structures afford little protection    |                                                                                                        |
| and increase the risk of fratricide, civilian ca    |                                                                                                        |
| sualties, and large, rapidly spreading fires.       |                                                                                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Military: Military Forces; Economics: Economic Diversity; Infrastructure: Urban Zones, Urbanized Build |
| ing Density.                                        |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                        |



Definition: Distinct areas or zones within a city that is geographically identifiable. These zones are normally categorized by the predominate activity within their boundaries.

| Subvariable Setting                                |
|----------------------------------------------------|
|                                                    |
|                                                    |
|                                                    |
|                                                    |
|                                                    |
| Buildings 15-20 stories and higher (possibly up    |
| to 50 stories above ground and 4 stories below     |
| ground). Older city cores have few open areas      |
| and buildings are closer to streets, but modern    |
| urban planning allows for more open spaces.        |
| Large workforce; few residents. Dense random       |
| and close orderly block are two common con         |
| struction patterns that can be found within the    |
| city core.                                         |
| City Core                                          |
| The city core is the heart of the urban areathe   |
| downtown or central business district. It is rela  |
| tively small and compact but contains a large      |
| percentage of the urban area's shops, offices,     |
| and public institutions. It normally contains the  |
| highest density of multistory buildings and sub    |
| terranean areas. Older city cores have narrow      |
| streets (7 to 15 m wide), while newer, planned     |
| developments have wider streets (at least 15 to    |
| 25 m wide). In most cities, the core has under     |
| gone more recent development than the core         |
| periphery. As a result, the two regions are often  |
| quite different. Typical city cores are made up of |
| buildings that vary greatly in height.             |

(continued)

| Subvariable Setting                                                                              | Setting Definition                            | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Core Periphery                                                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| The core periphery is located at the outer edges                                                 |                                               |                                        |
| of the city core. The core periphery consists of                                                 |                                               |                                        |
| streets 12 to 20 m wide with continuous fronts of                                                |                                               |                                        |
| brick or concrete buildings. The building heights                                                |                                               |                                        |
| are fairly uniform2 or 3 stories in small towns,                                                |                                               |                                        |
| five to ten stories in large cities.                                                             |                                               |                                        |
| High-Rise                                                                                        |                                               |                                        |
| Typical of modern construction in larger cities Buildings 15-20 stories and higher. Limited open |                                               |                                        |
| Residential Area                                                                                 |                                               |                                        |
| and towns, this area consists of multistoried                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| apartments. Wide streets are laid out in rectan                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| gular patterns. Rarely are there unbroken rows                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| of houses facing the street in this type area.                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| Low-Rise Residential                                                                             |                                               |                                        |
| Area                                                                                             |                                               |                                        |
| Dispersed row houses or single-family dwellings                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| with yards, gardens, trees, and fences. Street                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| patterns are normally rectangular or curving.                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| However, buildings are normally set back from                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| the road.                                                                                        |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Commercial Area                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Rows of stores, shops, and restaurants built                                                     |                                               |                                        |
| along both sides of major streets that run                                                       |                                               |                                        |
| through and between urban areas. Streets are                                                     |                                               |                                        |
| usually 25 m wide or more. The buildings un                                                      |                                               |                                        |
| iformly stand 2 to 3 stories tall (about one story                                               |                                               |                                        |
| taller than the dwellings on the streets behind                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| them).                                                                                           |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Industrial Area                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Industrial areas are generally located on or                                                     |                                               |                                        |
| along major rail and highway routes in urban                                                     |                                               |                                        |
| complexes. Older complexes may be located                                                        |                                               |                                        |
| within dense, random construction or close                                                       |                                               |                                        |
| orderly block areas. New construction normally                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| consists of low, flat-roofed factory and ware                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| house buildings (1 to 3 stories) in dispersed,                                                   |                                               |                                        |
| irregular patterns with large parking areas and                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| work yards.                                                                                      |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Military Area                                                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| These include any of several different types and                                                 | Defense oriented; planned positions. Usually  |                                        |
| (Permanent or Fixed                                                                              |                                               |                                        |
| may be actual fortifications. These permanent                                                    | regular armed forces. May be found in or near |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
|                                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| Fortifications)                                                                                  |                                               |                                        |
| fortifications can be made of earth, wood, rock,                                                 |                                               |                                        |
| brick,                                                                                           | concrete,                                     | steel-reinforced                       |
| or any combination of the above. Some of the                                                     |                                               |                                        |
| latest variants are built underground and                                                        |                                               |                                        |
| employ heavy tank or warship armor, major                                                        |                                               |                                        |
| caliber and other weapons, internal communica                                                    |                                               |                                        |
| tions, service facilities, and CBRN overpressure                                                 |                                               |                                        |
| systems.                                                                                         |                                               |                                        |

Subvariable Links: Military: Military Forces; Economics: Economic Diversity; Social: Volatility; Infrastructure: Construction Pattern.



Buildings 2-10 stories. Few open areas (but more than in city core). Large workforce; aver
age residents. Dense random and close orderly block are two common construction patterns that can be found within core periphery zones.


areas (such as parking lots, recreation areas, parks, and individual one-story buildings). Aver age workforce; average residents. These areas are often contiguous to industrial or transporta tion areas or interspersed with close orderly block areas.


Buildings 1-3 stories. Many open areas. Small
workforce; many residents. Residential zones are typically subdivided by income or culturally important factors, such as ethnicity or religion. This type area is normally contiguous to close orderly block areas in Europe. In some areas of the world, residential areas may be located in high walled compounds with houses built right up to the edge of the street. Buildings 2-3 stories. Subcategories are com mercial ribbon areas built along major streets in an urban area or strip areas built along the roads that connect one urban area to another.


Buildings 1-5 stories. Many open areas. Large workforce; few residents. Industrial areas often develop on the outskirts of urban areas, where commercial transportation is easiest (along airfields and major sea, river, rail, and highway routes). High-rise areas providing worker hous ing are normally located adjacent to these areas throughout Asia. Identification of transportation facilities within these areas is critical because these facilities, especially rail facilities, pose significant obstacles to military movement. Toxic
industrial chemicals and other hazardous mate
rials may be transported or stored throughout the industrial area.


urban areas (which may have grown up around the military installation that provided protection for inhabitants).

## Table 3-38. Infrastructure: Urbanized Building Density

Definition: Describes the average building density within a town.

| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                                                                                   | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Low                                                 |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Less than 15 buildings per town with no 2-story     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| structures. Single economic industry structures     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| present in each town.                               |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Medium                                              |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 15 to 25 buildings per town with at least 3 multi   |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| story                                               | structures.                                                                                          | One                                    |
| (5-building cluster) and site of significance       |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| (3-building cluster) per province. Two economic     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| industry structures present per town.               |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| High                                                |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 25 or more buildings per town with at least         |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 5 multi-story structures clustered together or      |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| separated by a one-story building or open area.     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| One government center (5-building cluster) and      |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| one site of significance (a 3-building cluster) per |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| district. Three economic industry structures and    |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| constructions present in the OE.                    |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Military: Military Forces; Infrastructure: All; Physical Environment: Terrain Complexity, Obstacles. |                                        |

## Table 3-39. Infrastructure: Utilities Present

Definition: Describes the average building density within a town.

| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                                                                                   | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Low                                                 |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Less than 15 buildings per town with no 2-story     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| structures. Single economic industry structures     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| present in each town.                               |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Medium                                              |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 15 to 25 buildings per town with at least 3 multi   |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| story                                               | structures.                                                                                          | One                                    |
| (5-building cluster) and site of significance       |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| (3-building cluster) per province. Two economic     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| industry structures present per town.               |                                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| High                                                |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 25 or more buildings per town with at least         |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| 5 multi-story structures clustered together or      |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| separated by a one-story building or open area.     |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| One government center (5-building cluster) and      |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| one site of significance (a 3-building cluster) per |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| district. Three economic industry structures and    |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| constructions present in the OE.                    |                                                                                                      |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Military: Military Forces; Infrastructure: All; Physical Environment: Terrain Complexity, Obstacles. |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                                      |                                        |

## Table 3-40. Infrastructure: Utility Level


Definition: Describes the approximate percentage of utilities available to a town. Each utility present in the OE has its own respective service level.

| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition                              |
|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Non-Existent                                       |                                                 |
| 25% present and operational.                       | 25% of all distribution nodes or required infra |
| structure and role-player elements/material are    |                                                 |
| present or operational, with physical distribution |                                                 |
| and services present to at least 1/4 of the struc  |                                                 |
| tures in each "switched on" area.                  |                                                 |
| (continued)                                        |                                                 |
| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition                                                                                       |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Degraded                                           |                                                                                                          |
| 50% present and operational.                       | 50% of all distribution nodes or required infra                                                          |
| structure and role-player elements/material are    |                                                                                                          |
| present or operational, with physical distribution |                                                                                                          |
| and services present to at least 1/3 of the struc  |                                                                                                          |
| tures in each "switched on" area.                  |                                                                                                          |
| Developed                                          |                                                                                                          |
| 75% present and operational.                       | 75% of all distribution nodes or required infra                                                          |
| structure and role-player elements/material are    |                                                                                                          |
| present or operational, with physical distribution |                                                                                                          |
| and services present to at least half of the struc |                                                                                                          |
| tures in each "switched on" area.                  |                                                                                                          |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Political: Government Effectiveness; Economic: Economic Diversity; Social: Social Volatility; Infrastruc |
| ture: All.                                         |                                                                                                          |
|                                                    |                                                                                                          |
| Definition:                                                                                                            | Details the existing public road and transportation network present in an OE. Describes the type of roads present    |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| and the coverage of the road network to any built-up areas. Includes airports, ports, rail, and surface road networks. |                                                                                                                      |
| Subvariable Setting                                                                                                    | Setting Definition                                                                                                   |
| Definitions also set the material and scena                                                                            |                                                                                                                      |
| rio scripting requirements associated with                                                                             |                                                                                                                      |
| each replicated service.                                                                                               |                                                                                                                      |
| Primitive                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                      |
| Single track or improved two-lane hard-surface                                                                         |                                                                                                                      |
| road networks, extending to all built-up areas.                                                                        |                                                                                                                      |
| Single-line railway, no functioning airports, limited or                                                               |                                                                                                                      |
| no riverine transportation networks.                                                                                   |                                                                                                                      |
|                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                      |
|                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                      |
| Moderate                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                      |
| Improved multi-lane hard-surface road networks,                                                                        |                                                                                                                      |
| extending to all built-up areas with secondary, two-                                                                   |                                                                                                                      |
| lane hard-surface roads paralleling primary roads.                                                                     |                                                                                                                      |
| Two to three 2-line railways, connecting at least                                                                      |                                                                                                                      |
| 50% of the OE infrastructure. One functioning air                                                                      |                                                                                                                      |
| port and, if present, moderate riverine transportation                                                                 |                                                                                                                      |
| networks.                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                      |
|                                                                                                                        |                                                                                                                      |
| Complex                                                                                                                |                                                                                                                      |
| Multi-lane hard-surface highway networks, extend                                                                       |                                                                                                                      |
| ing to all built-up areas with secondary, multi-lane                                                                   |                                                                                                                      |
| hard-surface roads paralleling primary roads. Three                                                                    |                                                                                                                      |
| to four 2-line railways, connecting at least 75% of                                                                    |                                                                                                                      |
| the OE infrastructure. Two to three large, function                                                                    |                                                                                                                      |
| ing airports (jet capable) and, if present, extensive                                                                  |                                                                                                                      |
| riverine transportation networks.                                                                                      |                                                                                                                      |
| Subvariable Links:                                                                                                     | Political: Government Effectiveness; Military: Military Forces; Economic: Economic Diversity; Infrastruc             |
| ture: All.                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                      |



## Physical Environment Variable



3-15. The Physical Environment variable includes the geography and man-made structures as well as the climate and weather in the AO. Depending on the type of exercise, these conditions may be real, notional, or a combination. The span of subvariables defining the Physical Environment includes "terrain," "natural hazards," "climate," and "weather," depicted in table 3-42. The detail and complexity of the "terrain" and
"weather" subvariables necessitate breaking down some of their components beyond the subvariable level.

This lower level classification is called *sub-subvariable*. Some of the components of "terrain" are actually sub-subvariables, and all components of the "weather" subvariable require this additional breakdown. (See table 3-43 on page 3-32.)

|                  | Variable    | Physical Environment    |
|------------------|-------------|-------------------------|
| Subvariable      | Terrain     | Natural                 |
| Hazards          |             |                         |
|                  | Volcanoes   | Tropical                |
| Fields of Fire   |             |                         |
|                  |             |                         |
| Avenues of       |             |                         |
| Approach         |             |                         |
| Drought          | Arid        | High Temperature       |
| Heat Index       |             |                         |
| Subvariable      |             |                         |
| Settings         |             |                         |
| Key Terrain      | Monsoon     | Mediterranean           |
| Wind Chill Index |             |                         |
| Obstacles        | Earthquake  | Oceanic                 |
| Flooding         | Continental | Visibility              |
| Concealment      |             |                         |
| Landforms        | Avalanche   | Subarctic               |
|                  |             |                         |
| Vegetation       | Cyclone     | Relative Humidity       |
Terrain Complexity
Other
(Diseases)


Climate
Weather


| Variable         | Physical Environment    |
|------------------|-------------------------|
| Subvariable      | Terrain                 |
| Sub-             |                         |
| Subvariable      |                         |
| Landforms        | Vegetation              |
| Complexity       |                         |
|                  |                         |
| Sloped           | Desert/Scrub            |
| Plus Other       |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
| Coastal          | Grassland               |
| Alone            |                         |
| Sub-             |                         |
| Subvariable      |                         |
| Settings         |                         |
| Fluvial          | Woodland                |
| Types of         |                         |
| Restrictive      |                         |
| Terrain          |                         |
| Erosion          | Mixed                   |
| Restrictive      |                         |
| Terrain          |                         |
| Mountain/Glacial | Unrestricted            |
|                  |                         |
| Mixed            |                         |
|                  |                         |
| Subvariable      | Weather                 |
|                  |                         |
| Subvariable      |                         |
| Low              |                         |
| Temperature     |                         |
| Wind Chill       |                         |
| Index            |                         |
| Precipitation    | High                    |
| Tempera-         |                         |
| tureHeat        |                         |
| Index            |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
| Very Light       | 75-85F                 |
| to 40 mph at     |                         |
| 20F             |                         |
|                  |                         |
| Light            | 85-105F                |
| to 40 mph at     |                         |
| -10F            |                         |
| Sub-             |                         |
| Subvariables     |                         |
| Settings         |                         |
| Moderate         | 95-130F                |
| -50F to 40      |                         |
| mph at -60F     |                         |
| Heavy            | 95-130F                |
| Gale             |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  | Over 130F              |
| Gale             |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |
|                  |                         |


3-16. The next level of discussion is to graphically portray the associated definitions of each Physical Environment subvariable and sub-subvariable as well as their settings, setting definitions, considerations and additional notes and external links with other subvariables. (See tables 3-44 through 3-58.) This format is designed to give the exercise planner the necessary details needed for constructing the desired OE. The order of discussion will be "terrain," "natural hazards," "climate," and "weather."



Mobility  Clas
sification

Unrestricted
Terrain

Restricted
Terrain


Severely
Restricted
Terrain


Wind
Visibility
Cloud
Cover
Relative
Humidity

Clear
WBGT
Index reaches 78F
Calm
Beginning
Morning Nautical Twilight
Moderate
Breeze

Beginning Morning Civil Twilight
Scattered
WBGT
Index reaches 85F

Strong
Breeze
End of Evening Civil Twilight
Broken
WBGT
Index reaches 88F
Overcast
WBGT
Index reaches 90F
End of Evening Nautical Twilight
Storm

## Terrain


3-17. Definitions of "terrain" and the associated subvariable setting definitions are listed in table 3-44. In this case, the subvariable settings are actually a menu of certain aspects of terrain that need to be taken into consideration. The last four subvariable settings are actually sub-subvariables that have their own definitions and settings (see tables 3-45 through 3-48). Limitations inherent with specific types of terrain are enforced by observer-controllers in live exercises or by computer-enforced rules in simulated exercises.

Definition: *Terrain* is a portion of the earth's surface that includes natural and manmade features (TC 2-33.4).

| Subvariable Setting                                   | Setting or Sub-Subvariable Definition    | Considerations and Additional Notes              |
|-------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| Observation and                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| Observation                                           | is the condition of weather and          | The type of units (friendly and enemy) which are |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| on the ground, how they look from each other's        |                                          |                                                  |
| perspective on the battlefield, and lines of sight    |                                          |                                                  |
| (LOS) from their positions to the target (TC 2        |                                          |                                                  |
| 33.4). Intervisibility is the condition of being able |                                          |                                                  |
| to see one point from the other. (FM 2-01.3)          |                                          |                                                  |
| Fields of Fire                                        |                                          |                                                  |
| terrain that permits a force to see personnel,        |                                          |                                                  |
| systems, and key aspects of the environment           |                                          |                                                  |
| (FM 2-01.3).                                          | Field of fire                            | is the area which a                              |
| weapon or a group of weapons may cover effec          |                                          |                                                  |
| tively with fire from a given position. (JP 1-02      |                                          |                                                  |
| and FM 1-02)                                          |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| Avenues of                                            |                                          |                                                  |
| An                                                    | avenue of approach                       | (AA) is an air or ground                         |
| Approach                                              |                                          |                                                  |
| route of an attacking force of a given size lead      |                                          |                                                  |
| ing to its objective or to key terrain in its path.   |                                          |                                                  |
| (JP 1-02)                                             |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| evaluate and develop AAs, the results devel           |                                          |                                                  |
| oped during obstacle evaluation are used to           |                                          |                                                  |
| identify and categorize MCs and to group MCs          |                                          |                                                  |
| into AAs. (FM 2-01.3). [See Physical Environ          |                                          |                                                  |
| ment: Terrain: Mobility Classification.]              | Mobility                                 |                                                  |
| corridors                                             | are areas where a force will be cana     |                                                  |
| lized due to terrain restrictions; they allow mili    |                                          |                                                  |
| tary forces to capitalize on the principles of        |                                          |                                                  |
| mass and speed and are therefore relatively           |                                          |                                                  |
| free of obstacles. (JP 2-01.3)                        |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| Any terrain that increases a unit's ability to apply  |                                          |                                                  |
| combat power, or decreases the opponent's             |                                          |                                                  |
| ability to apply theirs, is considered key terrain.   |                                          |                                                  |
| (TC 2-33.4)                                           |                                          |                                                  |
| Key Terrain                                           |                                          |                                                  |
| Key terrain                                           | is any locality or area whose seizure,   |                                                  |
| retention, or control affords a marked advantage      |                                          |                                                  |
| to either combatant. (JP 2-01.3, FM 2-01.3, and       |                                          |                                                  |
| TC 2-33.4)                                            |                                          |                                                  |
|                                                       |                                          |                                                  |
| Obstacles                                             |                                          |                                                  |
| An                                                    | obstacle                                 | is any obstruction designed or em                |
| ployed to disrupt, fix, turn, or block the move       |                                          |                                                  |
| ment of an opposing force [enemy], and to im          |                                          |                                                  |
| pose additional losses in personnel, time, and        |                                          |                                                  |
| equipment on the opposing force [enemy]; ob           |                                          |                                                  |
| stacles can be natural, manmade, or a combina         |                                          |                                                  |
| tion of both. (JP 3-15 and FM 2-01.3)                 |                                          |                                                  |

Obstacles, whether natural or manmade, are those elements that impact a force's ability to maneuver and move rapidly through an area (TC 2-33.4). Some examples of obstacles to ground mobility are buildings, mountains, steep slopes, dense forests, rivers, lakes, urban areas, minefields, trenches, certain religious and cultural sites, and wire obstacles (concertina wire, barb wire). (FM 2-01.3) [See Physical Environment:
Terrain: Mobility Classification.]

Cover and
Cover is physical protection from bullets, frag-
Cover does not necessarily provide concealment; concealment does not necessarily provide cover. (FM 2-01.3)
Concealment
ments of exploding rounds, flame, nuclear ef fects, and biological and chemical agents (FM 2-01.3). *Concealment* is protection from obser
vation or surveillance. (JP 1-02)
A feature of the earth's surface attributable to natural causes.
Types of terrain predominating the AO (describes more than 60% of the terrain present in the AO).
Landforms (Sub-Subvariable)

Plant life or total plant cover (as of an area).
Describes the predominant vegetation found in
an AO.
Vegetation (Sub-Subvariable)
(continued)
| Subvariable Setting                                | Setting or Sub-Subvariable Definition                                                                |
|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                    |                                                                                                      |
| Terrain Complexity                                 |                                                                                                      |
| (Sub-Subvariable)                                  |                                                                                                      |
| Describes the degree to which the terrain im       |                                                                                                      |
| poses significant limitations on observation,      |                                                                                                      |
| maneuver, fires, and intelligence collection.      |                                                                                                      |
| Complex terrain is a topographical area consist    |                                                                                                      |
| ing of an urban center larger than a village       |                                                                                                      |
| and/or of two or more types of restrictive terrain |                                                                                                      |
| or environmental conditions occupying the same     |                                                                                                      |
| space. (Restrictive terrain or environmental       |                                                                                                      |
| conditions include but are not limited to slope,   |                                                                                                      |
| high altitude, forestation, severe weather, and    |                                                                                                      |
| urbanization.) (FM 7-100.1 and ATTP 3-34.80)       |                                                                                                      |
|                                                    |                                                                                                      |
| Describes the degree to which the terrain al       |                                                                                                      |
| lows, slows, or hinders movement from place to     |                                                                                                      |
| place in combat formations.                        |                                                                                                      |
| Mobility Classifica                                |                                                                                                      |
| tion                                               |                                                                                                      |
| (Sub-Subvariable)                                  |                                                                                                      |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Physical Environment: Weather, Climate; Infrastructure: Construction Pattern, Urban Zones, Urbanized |
| Building Density.                                  |                                                                                                      |
|                                                    |                                                                                                      |
|                                                    |                                                                                                      |


3-18. The definitions and settings of the "terrain" sub-subvariables of landforms, vegetation, terrain complexity, and mobility classification are depicted in tables 3-45 through 3-48. These subsets define the physical features, circumstances and conditions surrounding and potentially influencing the execution of operations in an AO.

Definition: A feature of the earth's surface attributable to natural causes. Landforms do not include man-made features, such as canals, ports, and many harbors. Types of terrain predominating the AO (describes more than 60% of the terrain present in the AO).

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                        |
|------------------------------------------------|
| Limitations inherent with specific types of    |
| terrain are enforced by observer-controller    |
| rules (live), or computer-enforced simulation  |
| rules.                                         |
|                                                |
| Sloped                                         |
| Sloping landforms consisting of, but not       |
| limited to the following types: cliffs, dells, |
| escarpments, glens, gullies, hills, mountains, |
| plains & plateaus, ridges, valleys, and water  |
| sheds.                                         |
| Coastal                                        |
| Coastal landforms consisting of, but not li    |
| mited to the following types: bays, beaches,   |
| cuspate forelands, capes, coves, delta,        |
| fjords, lagoons, sounds, spits, or tombolos.   |
| Fluvial                                        |
| Riverine or water type landforms consisting    |
| of, but not limited to the following types: ar |
| royos, basins, bars, bayous, lakes, levees,    |
| marshes, rivers and streams, swamps, water     |
| falls, watersheds, or combinations of those    |
| mentioned.                                     |
| Erosion                                        |
| Erosion type landforms consisting of, but not  |
| limited to the following types: canyons,       |
| caves, and disposition or eolian landforms.    |
| Mountain/Glacial                               |
| Mountain landforms consisting of, but not      |
| limited to the following types: mountain       |
| ranges, crevasses, U-shaped valleys, glaci     |
| ers, hanging valleys, kale deltas, outwash     |
| fans, and other types of valley formations.    |
| Mixed                                          |
| Two or more of the above categories of land    |
| forms comprising over 80% of the available     |
| terrain in an AO.                              |

Subvariable Links: Physical Environment Climate, Terrain (Mobility Classification, Terrain Complexity).



## Table 3-46. Terrain: Vegetation

|                                                     | Definition:                                                                           | Plant life or total plant cover (as of an area). Describes the predominant vegetation found in an AO.    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sub-Subvariable Setting                             | Setting Definition                                                                    | Considerations and Additional Notes                                                                      |
| Desert/ Scrub                                       |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| A variety of trees that have had their growth       |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| stunted by soil or climatic conditions. Shrubs      |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| comprise the undergrowth in open forests, but in    |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| arid and semiarid areas they are the dominant       |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| vegetation. Shrubs normally offer no serious ob     |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| stacle to movement and provide good conceal         |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| ment from ground observation; however, they may     |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| restrict fields of fire.                            |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Grassland (Tall/Short)                              |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Grasslands from 0.5 to 2 m in height. Grassland     |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| more than 1 m high is considered tall. Very tall    |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| grass may provide concealment for foot troops.      |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Foot movement in savannah grasslands is slow        |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| and tiring; vehicular movement is easy; and ob      |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| servation from the air is easy. Improved solid      |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| trafficability during seasonal wet periods.         |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Woodlands                                           |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Broadleaf, deciduous, or coniferous forests capa    |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| ble of slowing dismounted troops and military       |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| vehicles, channelizing movement and causing         |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| limited observation and fields of fire. The type of |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| woodland is determined by the dominant tree type    |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| (more than 60% of either deciduous or coniferous    |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| types). Forests containing less than 60% mix of     |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| either type are considered mixed.                   |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Mixed                                               |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Two or more of the above types.                     |                                                                                       |                                                                                                          |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Physical Environment: Climate, Terrain (Mobility Classification, Terrain Complexity). |                                                                                                          |

## Table 3-47. Terrain: Terrain Complexity

Definition: Describes the degree to which the terrain imposes significant limitations on observation, maneuver, fires, and intelligence collection. Complex terrain is a topographical area consisting of an urban center larger than a village and/or of two or more types of restrictive terrain or environmental conditions occupying the same space. (Restrictive terrain or envi
ronmental conditions include but are not limited to slope, high altitude, forestation, severe weather, and urbanization.) (FM 7
100.1 and ATTP 3-34.80)

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                          |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| Urban Area plus Other                            |
| Types                                            |
| An urban area larger than a village occurs in    |
| conjunction with of other types of restrictive   |
| terrain and/or environmental conditions.         |
| Urban Area Alone                                 |
| An urban area larger than a village, in and of   |
| itself, constitutes complex terrainwithout      |
| the presence of other types of restrictive       |
| terrain and/or environmental conditions.         |
| A combination of two or more types of restric    |
| tive terrain (other than urban) and/or envi      |
| ronmental conditions.                            |
| Two or More Types of                             |
| Restrictive Terrain and/or                       |
| Environmental Conditions                         |
| A single type of restrictive terrain (other than |
| urban) or environmental condition.               |
| Single Type of Restrictive                       |
| Terrain or Environmental                         |
| Condition                                        |
| Unrestricted                                     |
| No urban area or other type of restrictive       |
| terrain or environmental condition is present.   |

Subvariable Links: Infrastructure: Urbanized Building Density; Physical Environment: Climate, Terrain (Landforms, Vegeta tion, Mobility Classification).


Settings used primarily a virtual or con
structive training environment. Can be replicated live in select instances by applying observer-controller-enforced rules to govern behavior in the type of area specified.



An urban area generally consists of a large
central core with a population density of at
least 1,000 inhabitants per square mile and adjacent densely settled areas with a popula tion density of at least 500 inhabitants per square mile that together have a total popula tion of at least 2,500. (A village is a small community incorporated as a municipality in a rural area, with a population of 100 to 2,500.) Restrictive terrain or environmental condi tions (other than urbanization) include but are not limited to slope, high altitude, forestation, and severe weather.
Self-explanatory.


## Table 3-48. Terrain: Mobility Classification

Definition: Describes the degree to which the terrain allows, slows, or hinders movement from place to place in combat formations.

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                          | Setting Definition                                                           |
|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The settings for this sub-subvariable and        |                                                                              |
| their definitions come from FM 2-01.3.           |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
| Unrestricted Terrain                             |                                                                              |
| Terrain that is free of any restriction to move  |                                                                              |
| ment. Nothing needs to be done to enhance        |                                                                              |
| mobility. Unrestricted terrain for armored or    |                                                                              |
| mechanized forces is typically flat to mod       |                                                                              |
| erately sloping terrain with scattered or widely |                                                                              |
| spaced obstacles such as trees or rocks. Un      |                                                                              |
| restricted terrain allows wide maneuver by the   |                                                                              |
| forces under consideration and unlimited tra     |                                                                              |
| vel supported by well-developed road net         |                                                                              |
| works.                                           |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
| Restricted Terrain                               |                                                                              |
| Terrain that hinders movement to some de         |                                                                              |
| gree. Little effort is needed to enhance mobili  |                                                                              |
| ty, but units may have difficulty maintaining    |                                                                              |
| preferred speeds, moving in combat forma         |                                                                              |
| tions, or transitioning from one formation to    |                                                                              |
| another. Restricted terrain slows movement by    |                                                                              |
| requiring zigzagging or frequent detours. Re     |                                                                              |
| stricted terrain for armored or mechanized       |                                                                              |
| forces typically consists of moderate-to-steep   |                                                                              |
| slopes or moderate-to-densely spaced ob          |                                                                              |
| stacles such as trees, rocks, or buildings.      |                                                                              |
| Swamps or rugged terrain are examples of         |                                                                              |
| restricted terrain for dismounted infantry       |                                                                              |
| forces. Logistical or sustainment area move      |                                                                              |
| ment may be supported by poorly developed        |                                                                              |
| road systems.                                    |                                                                              |
| Severely Restricted                              |                                                                              |
| Terrain                                          |                                                                              |
|                                                  |                                                                              |
| Terrain that severely hinders or slows move      |                                                                              |
| ment in combat formations unless some effort     |                                                                              |
| is made to enhance mobility. This could take     |                                                                              |
| the form of committing engineer assets to        |                                                                              |
| improving mobility or of deviating from doctrin  |                                                                              |
| al tactics, such as moving in columns instead    |                                                                              |
| of line formations or at speeds much lower       |                                                                              |
| than those preferred. Severely restricted ter    |                                                                              |
| rain for armored and mechanized forces is        |                                                                              |
| typically characterized by steep slopes and      |                                                                              |
| large or densely spaced obstacles with few or    |                                                                              |
| no supporting roads.                             |                                                                              |
| Subvariable Links:                               | Physical Environment: Terrain (Landforms), Weather (Precipitation), Climate. |
|                                                  |                                                                              |

## Natural Hazards



3-19. The effects of the "natural hazards" subvariable may involve Army units providing various types of support when conducting humanitarian relief, civil order, or other similar missions. Training for these events can be replicated in simulated settings or by the use of observer-controller enforced rules to govern transit and survivability of such events in a live setting. Definitions of "natural hazards" and the associated subvariable and subvariable setting definitions are listed in table 3-49.

## Table 3-49. Physical Environment: Natural Hazards

Definition: Describes the type of natural disasters or hazards that may be encountered when conducting stability or civil support operations.

| Subvariable Setting                                      |
|----------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                          |
| Volcanic Eruption                                        |
| Self-explanatory. Characterized by moderate to fast      |
| lava flows and possible explosive eruptions of rock      |
| and hot ash (similar to the Mt St Helens eruptions and   |
| after effects).                                          |
|                                                          |
|                                                          |
| Can be replicated in live, virtual, or con               |
| structive training environment by the                    |
| adoption simulated of chemical, nuclear                  |
| attack conditions (virtual or constructive),             |
| or the use of observer-controller-enforced               |
| rules to govern transit and survivability of             |
| such events in a live training environment.              |
|                                                          |
| Drought                                                  |
| A drought is an extended period of months or years       |
| when a region notes a deficiency in its water supply.    |
| Generally, this occurs when a region receives consis     |
| tently below average precipitation                       |
| .                                                        |
|                                                          |
| Tornado                                                  |
| A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of    |
| air which is in contact with both the surface of the     |
| earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the    |
| base of a cumulus cloud. Tornadoes come in many          |
| sizes but are typically in the form of a visible conden  |
| sation funnel, whose narrow end touches the earth        |
| and is often encircled by a cloud of debris and dust.    |
| Monsoon                                                  |
| Monsoon rainfall is considered to be that which occurs   |
| in any region that receives the majority of its rain dur |
| ing a particular season.                                 |
| Earthquake                                               |
| Large-magnitude, long-duration, surface quakes re        |
| sulting in severe infrastructure damage and urban        |
| destruction.                                             |
| Flooding                                                 |
| Large-area flooding of 2 to 3 m of depth, disrupting all |
| transportation, destroying infrastructure, and subsiding |
| after a prolonged period. Often accompanied by local     |
| contagions and waterborne diseases.                      |
| Avalanche                                                |
| Self-explanatory. Large-scale effect occurring primarily |
| in a mountain or terraced valley.                        |
|                                                          |
|                                                          |
|                                                          |
| Cyclone                                                  |
| A cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large     |
| low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that      |
| produce strong winds, heavy rain and tornados. De        |
| pending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone |
| is referred to by many other names, such as hurricane,   |
| typhoon, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical de     |
| pression, and simply cyclone.                            |
|                                                          |
|                                                          |
|                                                          |
| Other                                                    |
| Any natural, biological, short-term, short-duration,     |
| large-area affect, propagated by either weather or       |
| prevailing terrain conditions present in an OE. In       |
| cludes diseases.                                         |
|                                                          |
| None                                                     |
| Self-explanatory.                                        |

Subvariable Links: Physical Environment: Weather, Climate; Infrastructure: Construction Pattern, Urbanized Building Density.



## Climate


3-20. Climate has profound effects military operations. Training units should be exposed to as many types of climate as possible, simulated or real, especially the type(s) prevalent in those areas they may likely be deployed. Table 3-50 on page 3-38 lists the various types of climates that exist. Understanding their effects on military equipment and soldiers is critical to any successful military operation.

## Table 3-50. Physical Environment: Climate

Definition: Climate is the average course or condition of the weather at a place over a period of years as exhibited by tem
perature, wind velocity, and precipitation. The type of climate is determined by factors such as latitude, altitude, proportion of land to water, and proximity to oceans and mountains. Climate zones share similar climatic attributes, usually in particular latitudinal distances from the equator.

| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                              | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Tropical                                            |                                                 |                                        |
| A type of climate characterized by 12 months of     |                                                 |                                        |
| mean temperatures above 18C (64.4F) and           |                                                 |                                        |
| almost continuous rainfall throughout the year,     |                                                 |                                        |
| usually convectional occurring predominantly in     |                                                 |                                        |
| the afternoon.                                      |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Arid                                                |                                                 |                                        |
| Climate encountered in regions too dry to support   |                                                 |                                        |
| a forest, but not dry enough to be a desert. The    |                                                 |                                        |
| soil is considered too moist to be a desert, but    |                                                 |                                        |
| too dry to support normal forest life. Characte     |                                                 |                                        |
| rized by hot summers and cold winters, with 10      |                                                 |                                        |
| 20 inches of rain or snowfall per year.             |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Mediterranean                                       |                                                 |                                        |
| A climate that resembles those of the lands bor     |                                                 |                                        |
| dering the Mediterranean Sea. These climates        |                                                 |                                        |
| generally occur on the western coasts of conti      |                                                 |                                        |
| nental landmasses, roughly between the latitudes    |                                                 |                                        |
| of 30 and 45 north and south of the equator.      |                                                 |                                        |
| Areas with this climate receive almost all of their |                                                 |                                        |
| yearly rainfall during the winter season, and may   |                                                 |                                        |
| go anywhere from 2-5 months during the summer       |                                                 |                                        |
| without having any significant precipitation.       |                                                 |                                        |
| Oceanic                                             |                                                 |                                        |
| Oceanic climates are characterized by a narrow      |                                                 |                                        |
| er annual range of temperatures than are en         |                                                 |                                        |
| countered in other places at a comparable lati      |                                                 |                                        |
| tude, and differ from Mediterranean climates in     |                                                 |                                        |
| that significant amounts of precipitation are re    |                                                 |                                        |
| ceived in summer.                                   |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Continental                                         |                                                 |                                        |
| Characterized                                       | by                                              | winter                                 |
| enough to support a fixed period of stable snow     |                                                 |                                        |
| cover each year, and relatively low precipitation   |                                                 |                                        |
| occurring mostly in summer, although east coast     |                                                 |                                        |
| areas (chiefly in North America) may show an        |                                                 |                                        |
| even distribution of precipitation. They have ei    |                                                 |                                        |
| ther forest or tall-grass prairie as natural ground |                                                 |                                        |
| covers and include some of the most productive      |                                                 |                                        |
| farmlands in the world. All such climates have at   |                                                 |                                        |
| least 3 months of temperatures in excess of 10C    |                                                 |                                        |
| (50F) and winters with at least one month below    |                                                 |                                        |
| 0C (32F).                                         |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Subarctic                                           |                                                 |                                        |
| Characterized by long, usually very cold winters    |                                                 |                                        |
| and brief, warm summers. It is found on large       |                                                 |                                        |
| landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere, away         |                                                 |                                        |
| from the moderating effects of an ocean, general    |                                                 |                                        |
| ly at latitudes from 50N to 70N (immediately      |                                                 |                                        |
| south of the true arctic). Temperatures can drop    |                                                 |                                        |
| to -40C (also -40F) in winter and may exceed      |                                                 |                                        |
| 30C (86F) in summer. However, the summers         |                                                 |                                        |
| are short, no more than 3 months of the year (but   |                                                 |                                        |
| at least 1 month) and must have a 24-hour aver      |                                                 |                                        |
| age temperature of at least 10C (50F) to fall in  |                                                 |                                        |
| this category.                                      |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Physical Environment: Weather, Natural Hazards. |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                                        |



In replicable environments, climate is primarily classified on the basis of temperature and precipitation. Climatic descriptions are used in scenarios to vary climatic conditions to better train units, exposing them to the variety of climatic conditions and their effects on opera tions. This subvariable is primarily used in a virtual or constructive environment. Some climatic conditions can be replicated in a live environment using scenario-based rules and play box restrictions on training unit and OPFOR movement and actions.

## Weather


3-21. Definitions of "weather" and the associated sub-subvariables are listed in table 3-51. Weather should not be confused with climate. *Weather* refers to the activity or atmospheric condition at a given time or over shorter periods up to approximately two weeks, while *climate* refers to the average course or condition of these same elements over a period of years.

Definition: Weather is a set of all the phenomena occurring in a given atmosphere at a given time. Weather phenomena lie in the hydrosphere and troposphere.

| Sub-Subvariable                                 | Sub-Subvariable Definition                  |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Precipitation                                   |                                             |
| Any visible moisture that falls from the at     |                                             |
| mosphere, such as rain, sleet, snow, hail,      |                                             |
| drizzle or a combination of these.              |                                             |
| Precipitation may be used by exercise control   |                                             |
| (EXCON) to manage various aspects of            |                                             |
| an exercise such as rate of advance and         |                                             |
| visibility.                                     |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| High Temperature                               |                                             |
| The measurement of how hot or cold the air      | Knowing the HI in an AO is an important     |
| factor in deployments as well as and live and   |                                             |
| simulated training exercises.                   |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Heat Index                                      |                                             |
| is. The heat index (HI) combines air tempera    |                                             |
| ture and relative humidity which helps deter    |                                             |
| mine the human perceived equivalent tem         |                                             |
| perature.                                       |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Low Temperature                                |                                             |
| The measurement of how cold the air is. The     | Knowing the Wind Chill Index in an AO is an |
| important factor in deployments as well as      |                                             |
| simulated exercises training exercises.         |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Wind Chill Index                                |                                             |
| Wind-Chill Index combines air temperature       |                                             |
| and wind speed which helps determine the        |                                             |
| cooling effect of wind on bare flesh when first |                                             |
| exposed.                                        |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Wind                                            |                                             |
| Air which is in horizontal or near horizontal   |                                             |
| motion.                                         |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Visibility                                      |                                             |
| The mean distance at which the naked eye        |                                             |
| can see prominent objects through the at        |                                             |
| mosphere.                                       |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Accurate timing based upon available light is   |                                             |
| critical in planning military operations. It is |                                             |
| expressed in the number of degrees the cen      |                                             |
| ter of the sun is below the horizon. Although   |                                             |
| technically not weather data, it is customarily |                                             |
| considered together with weather factors        |                                             |
| because both affect visibility such as cloud    |                                             |
| cover. Light is also a critical factor in the   |                                             |
| employment of light sensitive equipment such    |                                             |
| as night vision and thermal devices.            |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Cloud Cover                                     |                                             |
| The amount of clouds over or at a given loca    |                                             |
| tion.                                           |                                             |
| Cloud cover may be used by exercise control     |                                             |
| (EXCON) to manage various aspects of            |                                             |
| an exercise such as flight operations and       |                                             |
| visibility.                                     |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
|                                                 |                                             |
| Relative Humidity                               |                                             |
| Humidity is the term used to describe the       |                                             |
| amount of water vapor in the air. The amount    |                                             |
| of water vapor the air actually contains com    |                                             |
| pared with the maximum it can hold at a         |                                             |
| given temperature and pressure is termed        |                                             |
| the relative humidity of the air.               |                                             |

Subvariable Links: Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards.



3-22. The definitions and settings of the "weather" sub-subvariables of precipitation, high temperatureheat index, low temperature-wind chill index, wind, visibility, cloud cover and relative humidity are depicted in tables 3-52 through 3-58. These subsets define the atmospheric conditions surrounding and potentially influencing the execution of operations in an AO.

Definition: Any visible moisture that falls from the atmosphere, such as rain, sleet, snow, hail, drizzle or a combination of these. Precipitation occurs when the atmosphere, a large gaseous solution becomes saturated with water vapor and the water condenses and descends from the solution (that is, precipitates).

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                              | Setting Definition                              |
|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
|                                                      |                                                 |
| Very light                                           |                                                 |
| Scattered drops or flakes that do not completely     |                                                 |
| wet an exposed surface regardless of duration.       |                                                 |
|                                                      |                                                 |
| Light                                                |                                                 |
| A trace of .10 inch of precipitation per hour with a |                                                 |
| maximum of .01 inch in 6 minutes.                    |                                                 |
|                                                      |                                                 |
| Moderate                                             |                                                 |
| .11 to .30 inch per hour; between .01 and .03        |                                                 |
| inch in 6 minutes.                                   |                                                 |
|                                                      |                                                 |
| Heavy                                                |                                                 |
| More than .30 inch per hour; more than .03 inch      |                                                 |
| in 6 minutes.                                        |                                                 |
| Subvariable Links:                                   | Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards. |
|                                                      |                                                 |

## Table 3-53. Weather: High TemperatureHeat Index



Definition: The measurement of how hot or cold the air is. Temperature is measured with thermometers that may be cali
brated to a variety of temperature scales. Since the majority of military operations will most likely be in areas of moderate to extreme heat, a more useful measurement is heat index (HI). The HI combines air temperature and relative humidity which helps determine the human perceived equivalent temperature.

|                                                     |                                                 | Sub-Subvariable Setting    | Setting Definition    | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|
| 75-85                                               |                                                | F                          | Caution               | - Fatigue is possible with prolonged   |
| exposure and activity. Continuing activity could    |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| result in heat camps and nausea.                    |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| Understanding the average temperatures              |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| and HI in an AO is an important factor in           |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| deployments as well as and live-, virtual-,         |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| and gaming-based training exercises.                |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| 85-105                                              |                                                | F                          | Extreme Caution       | - Use extreme caution in any           |
| prolonged physical activity. Continuing activity    |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| could result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.     |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| 95-130                                              |                                                | F                          | Danger                | - heat cramps and heat exhaustion are  |
| highly possible. Continued activity could result in |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| heat stroke.                                        |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| Over 130                                            |                                                | F                          | Extreme Danger        | - heat stroke is imminent with         |
| any continuing activity.                            |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards. |                            |                       |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                 |                            |                       |                                        |

Definition: The measurement of how cold the air is. Temperature is measured with thermometers that may be calibrated to a variety of temperature scales. Some military operations will include areas of moderate to extreme cold, for which a more useful measurement is Wind-Chill Index. Wind-Chill Index combines air temperature and wind speed which helps determine the cooling effect of wind on bare flesh when first exposed.

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                                   | Setting Definition     | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                           |                        |                                        |
|                                                           |                        |                                        |
| From wind speed of                                        |                        |                                        |
| 1 mph at 50                                               |                       | F to 40 mph                            |
| at 20                                                     |                       | F                                      |
| Minimal Danger                                            | - Exposed flesh may    |                                        |
| freeze within 60 minutes. However, this                   |                        |                                        |
| range is also very dangerous because it                   |                        |                                        |
| gives a false sense of security.                          |                        |                                        |
| Increasing Danger                                         | - Danger from freez    |                                        |
| ing of exposed flesh within 60 seconds.                   |                        |                                        |
| From 1 mph at -30                                         |                       | F to                                   |
| 40 mph at -10                                             |                       | F                                      |
|                                                           |                        |                                        |
| Great Danger                                              | - Danger from freezing |                                        |
| of exposed flesh within 30 seconds.                       |                        |                                        |
| From 10 mph at -50                                        |                       | F to                                   |
| 40 mph at -60                                             |                       | F                                      |
| The cooling effect is the same whether the human body     |                        |                                        |
| is moving through the air or the air is blowing past the  |                        |                                        |
| body. The effect of wind will be less if a person has     |                        |                                        |
| even slight protection for exposed parts, such as light   |                        |                                        |
| gloves on hands, or parka hood shielding face. Wind       |                        |                                        |
| speeds greater than 40 mph have little additional effect. |                        |                                        |
| Understanding the average temperatures and current        |                        |                                        |
| Wind-Chill Index in an AO is an important factor in       |                        |                                        |
| deployments as well as and live-, virtual-, and gaming-   |                        |                                        |
| based training exercises.                                 |                        |                                        |

Subvariable Links: Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards.

## Table 3-55. Weather: Wind


Definition: Air which is in horizontal or near horizontal motion. Vertical movements of air are known as air current and are caused by differences in density between two air masses. Wind direction is determined by the direction from which it is blow ing.

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                            | Setting Definition                              | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Calm                                               | Less than 1 mph                                 | ; smoke rises vertically.              |
| Setting names, wind speeds and effects are         |                                                 |                                        |
| all based on the Beaufort Scale.                   |                                                 |                                        |
| Moderate Breeze                                    | 13-18 mph                                       | ; raises dust, loose paper, small      |
| branches are moved.                                |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                 |                                        |
| Wind effects such as speed and direction are       |                                                 |                                        |
| critical in all military operations but especially |                                                 |                                        |
| in the use of chemical agents, concealment,        |                                                 |                                        |
| observation, and smoke obscuration.                |                                                 |                                        |
| Strong Breeze                                      | 25-31 mph                                       | ; large branches in motion; whis       |
| tling heard in above-ground electrical wires,      |                                                 |                                        |
| umbrellas used with difficulty.                    |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                 |                                        |
| Moderate Gale                                      | 32-38 mph                                       | ; whole trees in motion; difficulty    |
| walking against the wind.                          |                                                 |                                        |
| Strong Gale                                        | 47-54 mph                                       | ; slight structural damage occurs      |
| (chimney and roofing damaged).                     |                                                 |                                        |
| Storm                                              | 56-63 mph                                       | ; unable to walk, widespread           |
| structural damage.                                 |                                                 |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                 |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                 | Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards. |                                        |
|                                                    |                                                 |                                        |

## Table 3-56. Weather: Visibility

Definition: The mean distance at which the naked eye can see prominent objects through the atmosphere.



(Accurate timing based upon available light is critical in planning military operations. It is expressed in the number of degrees the center of the sun is below the horizon. Although technically not weather data, it is customarily considered together with weather factors because both affect visibility such as cloud cover. Light is also a critical factor in the employment of light sensitive equipment such as night vision and thermal devices.)

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                                | Setting Definition                                 |
|--------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Beginning of Morning                                   |                                                    |
| Before sunrise, when the sun is 12 de-                 | An important visibility consideration called ther- |
| Nautical Twilight (BMNT)                               |                                                    |
| grees below the horizon. Illumination is               |                                                    |
| poor, and only vague outlines are visible.             |                                                    |
| mal (IR) crossover occurs, depending on the            |                                                    |
| cloud ceiling, soon after BMNT and EENT. Ther          |                                                    |
| mal crossover occurs when the temperature of a         |                                                    |
| target is the same as the temperature of its back      |                                                    |
| ground. When this occurs, targets will appear          |                                                    |
| invisible to IR sensors.                               |                                                    |
| Beginning of Morning                                   |                                                    |
| Before sunrise, when the sun is 6 de-                  | Under ideal conditions, the period of time when    |
|                                                        |                                                    |
| Civil Twilight (BMCT)                                  |                                                    |
| grees below the horizon. On a clear day,               |                                                    |
| outdoor activity is visible.                           |                                                    |
| there is adequate visibility for large-scale opera     |                                                    |
| tions is between BMNT and EECT. Generally,             |                                                    |
| visibility at BMNT is about 400 m, which is            |                                                    |
| enough light for close coordination between per        |                                                    |
| sonnel.                                                |                                                    |
|                                                        |                                                    |
|                                                        |                                                    |
| End of Evening Civil                                   |                                                    |
| Twilight (EECT)                                        |                                                    |
| Halfway between EECT and EENT (or BMNT and             |                                                    |
| BMCT), there is enough light for visual ground         |                                                    |
| adjustment of close-in artillery fire and air strikes. |                                                    |
| After sunset, when the sun is 6 degrees                |                                                    |
| below the horizon. On a clear day, out                 |                                                    |
| door activity is visible.                              |                                                    |
|                                                        |                                                    |
| End of Evening Nautical                                |                                                    |
| Twilight (EENT)                                        |                                                    |
| After sunset, when the sun is 12 degrees               |                                                    |
| below the horizon. Illumination is poor,               |                                                    |
| and only vague outlines are visible.                   |                                                    |

Subvariable Links: Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards.



|                                                | Definition:                                     | The amount of clouds over or at a given location.    |
|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Sub-Subvariable Setting                        | Setting Definition                              | Considerations and Additional Notes                  |
|                                                |                                                 |                                                      |
| Clear                                          |                                                 |                                                      |
| No clouds or less than 1/8 of the sky is cov   |                                                 |                                                      |
| ered.                                          |                                                 |                                                      |
| Scattered                                      |                                                 |                                                      |
| 1/8 to 4/8 of the sky is covered, inclusive.   |                                                 |                                                      |
| Broken                                         |                                                 |                                                      |
| 5/8 to 7/8 of the sky is covered, inclusive.   |                                                 |                                                      |
|                                                |                                                 |                                                      |
| Cloud conditions are expressed as cloud        |                                                 |                                                      |
| bases or ceiling in which the amount of cover  |                                                 |                                                      |
| is stated in eighths. Several layers of scat   |                                                 |                                                      |
| tered clouds added together may result in a    |                                                 |                                                      |
| broken or overcast condition. Low clouds       |                                                 |                                                      |
| impact many battlefield operations, especially |                                                 |                                                      |
| the use of smart weapons (TC 2-33.4).          |                                                 |                                                      |
| Overcast                                       |                                                 |                                                      |
| 8/8 (100%) of the sky is covered.              |                                                 |                                                      |
| Subvariable Links:                             | Physical Environment: Climate, Natural Hazards. |                                                      |
|                                                |                                                 |                                                      |
|                                                |                                                 |                                                      |

## Table 3-58. Weather: Relative Humidity


Definition: Humidity is the term used to describe the amount of water vapor in the air. The amount of water vapor the air actually contains compared with the maximum it can hold at a given temperature and pressure is termed the relative humidity of the air. Relative humidity is an important metric used in forecasting weather. Humidity indicates the likelihood of precipita
tion, dew, or fog. High humidity makes soldiers feel hotter outside in the summer because it reduces the effectiveness of sweating to cool the body by preventing the evaporation or perspiration from the skin. An accurate measurement of this ef
fect is called the Wet-Bulb-Glove-Temperature (WBGT) Index, which is calculated using a combination of temperature, hu
midity and wind. WBGT reports are obtained from supporting combat medical units.

| Sub-Subvariable Setting                         |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|                                                 |
| Add 10 to all measured WBGTs when Sol          |
| diers are wearing body armor or CBRN war        |
| fare clothing.                                  |
| WBGT index reaches 78F                         |
| Extremely intense physical exertion may         |
| precipitate heat exhaustion or heat stroke.     |
| Caution should be taken.                        |
| WBGT index reaches 85F                         |
| Strenuous exercise, such as marching in         |
| standard cadence should be stopped for          |
| unseasoned Soldiers during their first 3        |
| weeks in the AO.                                |
| WBGT index reaches 88F                         |
| Strenuous exercise should be stopped for all    |
| Soldiers with less than 12 weeks of training in |
| hot weather.                                    |
| WBGT index reaches 90F                         |
| Physical training and strenuous exercise        |
| should be stopped for all Soldiers.             |
| This does not apply to critical operational     |
| commitments where the risk of heat casual       |
| ties may be warranted. However, hydration       |
| and sun cover are extremely important.          |

Subvariable Links:  Physical Environment: Climate.



## Time Variable



3-23. The Time variable describes the timing and duration of activities, events, or conditions that occur, exist, or continue within an OE, as well as how the timing and duration are perceived by various actors in the OE. Various aspects of time and the perception of them can affect and influence military operations (friendly and enemy) within an OE. They can affect the reasons for conducting an operation, the amount of time available to complete a mission, the duration of an operation, and how commanders employ forces to achieve conditions of the desired end state. Different groups of people may perceive the concept of time in different ways. The perception and experience of time are among the most central aspects of how groups function and interact. In a military context, time orientation affects decision cycles, planning horizons, and tempo of operations.



3-24. The specific Time subvariables and their settings depicted in table 3-59 represent replicable conditions that may be present within an OE for a training exercise. Their associated definitions, considerations, additional notes, and external links are listed separately in tables 3-60 through 3-65.

| Variable       | Time      |
|----------------|-----------|
| Subvariable    | Knowledge |
| of the AO      |           |
| Key-Event      |           |
| Resolution     |           |
| Cultural       |           |
| Percep         |           |
| tion of        |           |
| Time           |           |
|                |           |
| Entry          | Not Time  |
| Sensitive      |           |
| Low            | Low       |
| ding Season    |           |
|                |           |
| Subvariable    |           |
| Settings       |           |
| Established    | Medium    |
| Religious Holi |           |
| days           |           |
|                |           |
| Exit           | High      |
| Historical     |           |
| Incidents      |           |
|                |           |
|                |           |
|                |           |
| Definition:                                            | Defines the amount of knowledge that the training unit would rightfully possess based on the amount of time the    |
|--------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| unit has spent in the AO prior to scenario STARTEX.    |                                                                                                                    |
| Subvariable Setting                                    | Setting Definition                                                                                                 |
|                                                        |                                                                                                                    |
|                                                        |                                                                                                                    |
| Entry                                                  |                                                                                                                    |
| Training unit is initially beginning its tour of duty. |                                                                                                                    |
| The unit is not established and has limited            |                                                                                                                    |
| knowledge of the AO.                                   |                                                                                                                    |
| Established                                            |                                                                                                                    |
| Training unit is mid-way through its deployment.       |                                                                                                                    |
| The unit is established and has a moderate             |                                                                                                                    |
| knowledge of the AO.                                   |                                                                                                                    |
| Exit                                                   |                                                                                                                    |
| Training unit is nearing the end of its deploy         |                                                                                                                    |
| ment in the AO. The unit is established and has        |                                                                                                                    |
| detailed knowledge of the AO.                          |                                                                                                                    |
| Subvariable Links:                                     | Information: Intelligence; Time: Key-Event Resolution, Information Offset.                                         |

Information
Offset
Tactical
Exploitation
of Time
Key Dates,
Time Periods,
or Events


Elections
Natural Disasters
Agricultural
Crop/Livestock
Market Cycles

The range of settings determines the amount of information offset that the training unit and OPFOR are entitled to prior to the exercise.


Time is equal to both friendly and enemy. Any information offset (for the training unit) should also be matched by appropriate behaviors for the OPFOR. For example, if the training unit has 3 months to prepare the OPFOR has the same 3 months to enhance defenses and maneuver,
as well as acquire additional resources, men,
and equipment.


Definition: The cultural perception of time is one of the most important aspects of how different people groups function and interact. Cultural awareness includes sensitivity to how a given culture in the AO perceives the concept of time. Cultural un
derstanding of time can be used as an operational planning factor and a tool to manipulate tactical and strategic advantages.



| Subvariable Setting                                 | Setting Definition                                                                   | Considerations and Additional Notes    |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Not Time Sensitive                                  |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Enemy views a protracted conflict as an advan       |                                                                                      |                                        |
| tage. May view a long-term conflict as a key        |                                                                                      |                                        |
| objective.                                          |                                                                                      |                                        |
| For CTC replication, role-players should reflect    |                                                                                      |                                        |
| appropriate cultural perception of time. If differ  |                                                                                      |                                        |
| ent than the U.S. perception, it should be re       |                                                                                      |                                        |
| flected in the scenario.                            |                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Medium                                              |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Enemy views a protracted conflict as a possible     |                                                                                      |                                        |
| advantage. May show flexibility in their ability to |                                                                                      |                                        |
| change their view of timeliness based on how        |                                                                                      |                                        |
| the conflict unfolds.                               |                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |
| High                                                |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Enemy views a protracted conflict as a liability    |                                                                                      |                                        |
| and not to their advantage. May view a timely       |                                                                                      |                                        |
| resolution of the conflict as a key objective.      |                                                                                      |                                        |
| Subvariable Links:                                  | Social: Ethnic Diversity, Education Level; Time: Key Dates, Time Periods, or Events. |                                        |
|                                                     |                                                                                      |                                        |

Definition: The number of key events and related orders of effect designed into the scenario in order to accomplish unit training objectives. The setting may describe the entire scenario, including sub-events or may describe specific key events within the scenario.

| Subvariable Setting                                  |
|------------------------------------------------------|
|                                                      |
| Decision on which setting should be selected         |
| is based on the commander's training as              |
| sessment of the unit and key exercise deci           |
| sions made in phase 1 of the exercise design         |
| sequence. (See chapter 2.)                           |
| Low                                                  |
| 1-3 OE key events planned with sufficient planning   |
| conducted to execute effects in response to prob     |
| able training unit actions. Key-events effects depth |
| limited to 2nd-order effects. Setting used for a     |
| relatively inexperienced unit to emphasize specific  |
| training objectives.                                 |
| Medium                                               |
| 4-5 OE key events planned with sufficient planning   |
| conducted to execute effects in response to prob     |
| able training unit actions. Key-event effects depth  |
| limited to 3rd-order effects. Setting used for a     |
| trained, moderately experienced unit.                |
|                                                      |
|                                                      |
| High                                                 |
| 10-12 OE key events planned with sufficient plan     |
| ning conducted to execute effects in response to     |
| probable training unit actions. Key-event effects    |
| depth expanded to capture 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th        |
| order effects in response to training unit actions   |
| and counter-actions. Setting used only for a highly  |
| experienced, capable unit.                           |

Sub variable Links: Time: Knowledge of the AO, Information Offset.



Definition: Tips, informants, and serendipitous events or reports that presage OPFOR activities in a meaningful, predictive way.



| Subvariable Setting                                  | Setting Definition                               |
|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
|                                                      |                                                  |
|                                                      |                                                  |
| This information is either provided to the training  |                                                  |
| unit prior to STARTEX for planning purposes or       |                                                  |
| is scripted into the scenario.                       |                                                  |
| Low                                                  |                                                  |
| 10% of all OPFOR activities or key events are        |                                                  |
| presaged by sufficient tips, hints, or indicators to |                                                  |
| enable successful training unit reaction or inter    |                                                  |
| diction to the events.                               |                                                  |
|                                                      |                                                  |
| Medium                                               |                                                  |
| 20% of all OPFOR activities or key events are        |                                                  |
| presaged by sufficient tips, hints, or indicators to |                                                  |
| enable successful training unit reaction or inter    |                                                  |
| diction to the events.                               |                                                  |
|                                                      |                                                  |
| High                                                 |                                                  |
| 30% of all OPFOR activities or key events are        |                                                  |
| presaged by sufficient tips, hints, or indicators to |                                                  |
| enable successful training unit reaction or inter    |                                                  |
| diction to the events.                               |                                                  |
| Subvariable Links:                                   | Time: Key-Event Resolution, Knowledge of the AO. |
|                                                      |                                                  |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Definition:                                                                                                       | The ability of the enemy to use time for tactical advantage. Examples of events used to gain or manipulate time |                                     |
| to the enemy's advantage are                                                                                     |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| -                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Delay                                                                                                             | (trade space for time)                                                                                          | .                                   |
| or decision cycle. Attack to delay is an accepted method as is swarming (mobs) by civilians to delay and disrupt. |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| -                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Deception                                                                                                         | (lead enemy in different direction or focus).                                                                   |                                     |
| -                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Fix (                                                                                                             | forces, obstacles, mines, etc.).                                                                                |                                     |
| -                                                                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Block                                                                                                             | (forces, obstacles, mines, CBRN, etc.).                                                                         |                                     |
| Subvariable Setting                                                                                               | Setting Definition                                                                                              | Considerations and Additional Notes |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
|                                                                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Low                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Enemy can conduct limited operations designed to                                                                  |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| manipulate time against small-unit tactical forces.                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Generally, friendly forces fall prey to "basic" opportu                                                           |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| nistic traps. Enemy has limited knowledge of the OE.                                                              |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Decision on which setting should be se                                                                            |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| lected is based on the commander's train                                                                          |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| ing assessment of the unit and key exer                                                                           |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| cise decisions made in phase 1 of the                                                                             |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| exercise design sequence. (See chapter                                                                            |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| 2.)                                                                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Medium                                                                                                            |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Enemy is adept at using time to advantage against                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| regular forces and infantry. Enemy has a moderate                                                                 |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| knowledge of the OE and friendly TTP and locations.                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| High                                                                                                              |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| Enemy is very adept at using time to advantage at all                                                             |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| levels in all conditions. Enemy has a detailed know                                                               |                                                                                                                 |                                     |
| ledge of the OE and friendly TTP and locations.                                                                   |                                                                                                                 |                                     |

Subvariable Links:  Military: Military Forces; Information: Intelligence; Time: Knowledge of the AO; Information Offset.



Definition: Routine, cyclical, planned, unplanned key dates, time periods, or events that significantly affect organizations, people, and military operations. Templating of these events is vital to establish or maintain control and predict future events.

Once key dates, time periods, or events are determined, it is important to template the events and to analyze them for their impact on current or future military operations.

| Setting Definition                                         | Considerations and Additional Notes                                                                 | Subvariable    | Setting      |
|------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|--------------|
| (Examples)                                                 |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Traditional times during the year when                     |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| weddings occur.                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Traditional Wedding                                        |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Season                                                     |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Other considerations are how and where these events        |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| are celebrated. For example, in many Asian nations         |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| wedding parties light fireworks or fire weapons in the air |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| in harmless celebration.                                   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Secular or Religious                                       |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Holidays                                                   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Self-explanatory.                                          | An example of military consideration would be country X                                             |                |              |
| where Christmas is not celebrated by 95% of popula         |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| tion. The 5% of Christians and Christian Churches may      |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| require additional security.                               |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Anniversary of                                             |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Historical Incidents                                       |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Special milestone to be celebrated                         |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| which is not necessarily routine or a                      |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| cyclical, routine event.                                   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| An example would be the 200                                |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| th                                                         |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| birthday of a significant                                  |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| political or religious leader, which may be controversial  |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| among certain ethnic groups within a population.           |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Elections                                                  |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Political elections including local, re                    |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| gional, and levels. Includes primary and                   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| general elections as well as scheduled                     |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| and special elections.                                     |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| May be a very critical time for a country and its future   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| security. May require high security, especially if the     |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| outcome is significant, the country has a track record of  |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| widespread voter fraud, or the election includes the       |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| participation of first-time voter minorities.              |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Natural Disasters                                          |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Disasters                                                  | created                                                                                             | by             | catastrophic |
| weather or environmental events.                           |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Natural disasters affect the attitudes and activities of   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| government and civilian populations. These changes         |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| cause stress in the civilian population and its leaders.   |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Addressing the problems posed by disasters requires        |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| considerable time and resources.                           |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Seasonal periods when harvest or sig                       |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| nificant livestock sales occur.                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| During these periods, a significant increase in road       |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| traffic of slow-moving vehicles occurs. Impact can be      |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| significant on military major or secondary supply routes.  |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Agricultural                                               |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Crop/Livestock                                             |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Market Cycles                                              |                                                                                                     |                |              |
| Subvariable Links:                                         | Social: Ethnic Diversity; Physical Environment: Natural Hazards; Time: Cultural Perception of Time. |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |
|                                                            |                                                                                                     |                |              |

## Appendix A Exercise Design Checklist


The Exercise Design Checklist (table A-1) is a sequential, summarized list of key exercise design tasks and associated events as described in phases 1 through 4 in chapter 2. These include exercise parameters; task and countertask development; PMESII- PT OE development; orders, plans, and instructions; and typical briefings, conferences, and control documents. The righthand column contains page references in this TC for each step/task and action required. This checklist is not intended to be allinclusive but rather to provide those critical tasks that must be accomplished within the design process. As noted in chapter 2, depending on the type of exercise and available OE information, certain tasks may occur in different phases.



| Design Phase                       | Step/Task                     | Action Required                    | Additional Notes    |
|------------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Define exercise                    |                               |                                    |                     |
| parameters.                        |                               |                                    |                     |
| 2-2                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| and                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| 2-3                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| Phase 1:                           |                               |                                    |                     |
| Initial Plan                       |                               |                                    |                     |
| ning                               |                               |                                    |                     |
| Depending on the type and size     |                               |                                    |                     |
| of the exercise event, an initial  |                               |                                    |                     |
| planning conference may be         |                               |                                    |                     |
| required. This is normally the     |                               |                                    |                     |
| first meeting between the senior   |                               |                                    |                     |
| trainer, exercise director, and    |                               |                                    |                     |
| exercise planner.                  |                               |                                    |                     |
| Developed based on com             |                               |                                    |                     |
| mander's training assess           |                               |                                    |                     |
| ment and exercise direc            |                               |                                    |                     |
| tor's initial guidance, troop      |                               |                                    |                     |
| list, unit training objectives     |                               |                                    |                     |
| (METL), requested condi            |                               |                                    |                     |
| tions and resources. Prod          |                               |                                    |                     |
| uct is defined exercise pa         |                               |                                    |                     |
| rameters                           | and                           | prioritized                        |                     |
| training objectives (METL).        |                               |                                    |                     |
| 2-3                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| Determine                          |                               |                                    |                     |
| exercise time-                     |                               |                                    |                     |
| line.                              |                               |                                    |                     |
| If time is limited, training objec |                               |                                    |                     |
| tives may have to be modified      |                               |                                    |                     |
| or eliminated in order to com      |                               |                                    |                     |
| pensate for this shortfall.        |                               |                                    |                     |
| Consider amount of time            |                               |                                    |                     |
| available, training objec          |                               |                                    |                     |
| tives, training support per        |                               |                                    |                     |
| sonnel required, and avail         |                               |                                    |                     |
| able                               | transportation                | and                                |                     |
| training facilities.               |                               |                                    |                     |
| 2-3                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| and                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| 2-4                                |                               |                                    |                     |
| Consider                           | aspects                       | such                               | as                  |
| troops                             | available,                    | equipment                          |                     |
| status, and geographical space.    |                               |                                    |                     |
| Refer to exercise parame           |                               |                                    |                     |
| ters to determine resources        |                               |                                    |                     |
| to support live, virtual, con      |                               |                                    |                     |
| structive or gaming training       |                               |                                    |                     |
| event.                             |                               |                                    |                     |
| Determine                          |                               |                                    |                     |
| whether                            |                               |                                    |                     |
| exercise will be                   |                               |                                    |                     |
| live, virtual,                     |                               |                                    |                     |
| constructive,                      |                               |                                    |                     |
| gaming, or a                       |                               |                                    |                     |
| combination.                       |                               |                                    |                     |
| Determine                          | Refer to proposed training    | Depending on the time allotted     | 2-4                 |
| operational                        | objectives, requested con-    | and the experience of the train-   |                     |
| theme.                             | ditions and the exercise      |                                    |                     |
| director's initial guidance.       |                               |                                    |                     |
| ing unit, it may be possible to    |                               |                                    |                     |
| train sequentially under two       |                               |                                    |                     |
| different themes.                  |                               |                                    |                     |
| Determine                          | Selection will depend on      | In almost all cases, training      | 2-4                 |
| whether using                      | the type of mission, training | exercises will contain portions of |                     |
| existing or com                    | resources and availability of | existing, modified, or composite   |                     |
| posite OE.                         | OE data.                      | OEs.                               |                     |

2-5 thru
2-7
Determine OPFOR countertasks.
Phase 2: Task and Countertask Development
Refer to appendix B, OPFOR tactical task list for selection of appropriate tasks keeping in mind resources available and the desired fidelity of the exer
cise.
Using the prioritized train ing objectives (METL), ex ercise
parameters,
and
OPFOR UTL, select those OPFOR
countertasks
in
order to counter and stress the training unit.
Develop
Using the selected OPFOR
As discussed in chapter 2, this
2-7
OPFOR OB
countertasks and FM 7
particular step will depend on
thru
and task
100.4, develop OPFOR OB
whether there is an existing OE
2-9
organization.
and build the appropriate task organization.

and associated OB. If so, this step may not be necessary or may occur in later phases.
Select OPFOR
Using the selected OPFOR
Same as above. Note that most
2-9 thru
2-11
OPFOR units should have a mix of various tier levels in order to provide more realistic training.

tier levels.
task-organized unit, select the appropriate WEG tier levels. Product is a fully developed OPFOR unit.
Develop the OE.
2-12 thru 2-16
Phase 3: PMESII-PT OE Development

Using the PMESII-PT va riables, select the appropri ate
subvariable
settings
listed in chapter 3 to pro duce the training conditions that support the training tasks required.
As is the case with developing the OPFOR, this step is also dependent on whether there is an existing OE. If this is an MRX for a real-world mission, the OE normally exists already. Whether using existing OE or composite, the exercise planner should go through all the va riables and their subvariables to ensure the entire conditions are set for the training objectives.


2-16 thru 2-19
This sequence is situation de pendent, and the example may not work in all cases. Planners are not restricted to this particu lar selection sequence.
Chapter 2 provides an ex ample of one logical flow of the sequence for consider ation of PMESII-PT va riables.

2-19 thru 2-21
Refine support ing METL tasks and associated task organiza tion.
Regardless of whether or not there is a real OE, planners should review the supporting tasks against the OE and WFF to ensure all tasks and task organization are accurate or need to be modified prior to STARTEX.
Using the OE-WFF analy sis matrix depicted in chap ter 2, examine whether or not the proposed support ing METL tasks and task organization are still accu rate based on the defined OE.

Determine
Preplanned
events
that
The level of fidelity of key
2-21
common
represent everyday activi
events and the number of va
and


processes for
ties common to all exercise
riables and subvariables repli
2-22

the desired OE.
OEs.
cated will be determined by factors such as the experience level of the training unit, the type of training exercise, and the
number
of
role-players
available.
| Determine key                       | With the guidance from the      | Indicators can build up to a key    | 2-22        |
|-------------------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------|
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| events to high-                     | senior trainer and exercise     | event, and a key event can re       |             |
| light chosen                        | director, select key events     | sult in 2nd-, 3rd, and even 4th     |             |
| training                            | that are preprogrammed into     | order effects.                      |             |
| objectives.                         | the existing or developed       |                                     |             |
| OE that will result in training     |                                 |                                     |             |
| value for the unit.                 |                                 |                                     |             |
| 2-23                                |                                 |                                     |             |
| Prepare and                         |                                 |                                     |             |
| conduct final                       |                                 |                                     |             |
| exercise                            |                                 |                                     |             |
| planning                            |                                 |                                     |             |
| conference.                         |                                 |                                     |             |
| Phase 4: Or                         |                                 |                                     |             |
| ders, Plans,                        |                                 |                                     |             |
| and Instruc                         |                                 |                                     |             |
| tion Devel                          |                                 |                                     |             |
| opment                              |                                 |                                     |             |
| Exercise planner presents           |                                 |                                     |             |
| an overview of the entire           |                                 |                                     |             |
| exercise to ensure all details      |                                 |                                     |             |
| are complete. Senior trainer,       |                                 |                                     |             |
| EXCON,                              | OPFOR                           | com                                 |             |
| mander, exercise director,          |                                 |                                     |             |
| and the training unit com           |                                 |                                     |             |
| mander normally attend.             |                                 |                                     |             |
| Results of this final planning      |                                 |                                     |             |
| conference lock in all exercise     |                                 |                                     |             |
| parameters, which include troop     |                                 |                                     |             |
| lists, training objectives, and the |                                 |                                     |             |
| exercise OE. Includes final re      |                                 |                                     |             |
| view and approval or disap          |                                 |                                     |             |
| proval of unit requests for         |                                 |                                     |             |
| equipment and troop list excep      |                                 |                                     |             |
| tions outside the normal TOE.       |                                 |                                     |             |
| Prepare and                         | Exercise planner provides       | The briefing covers all aspects     | 2-23        |
| conduct final                       | the final pre-exercise infor    | of the exercise. No decisions       | and         |
| exercise                            | mation briefing to the exer     | are expected except for decon       | 2-24        |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| fliction on any last-minute is      |                                 |                                     |             |
| sues. Briefing includes disposi     |                                 |                                     |             |
| tion of forces, chronology of key   |                                 |                                     |             |
| events, and C-, M-, and D-Day.      |                                 |                                     |             |
| briefing.                           | cise director and all perti     |                                     |             |
| nent staff. Normally con            |                                 |                                     |             |
| ducted                              | 30                              | days                                | from        |
| STARTEX.                            |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| Develop and                         | Exercise director may direct    | These documents are issued in       | 2-24        |
| issue higher unit                   | exercise planner to develop     | order to promote realism in         |             |
| warning orders,                     | and issue various docu          | training and provide information    |             |
| intelligence                        | ments and plans to the play-    | to the player unit prior to the     |             |
| estimates and                       | er unit. These may include      | exercise. This information al-      |             |
| other exercise                      | warning orders, country stu     | lows training units to develop      |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| documents to                        | dies and intelligence sum-      | preparatory home station train-     |             |
| the training unit.                  | maries.                         | ing prior to the actual exercise.   |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| Develop and                         | Exercise planner will devel-    | These documents provide key         | 2-24        |
| issue higher unit                   | op higher unit OPLANs and       | planning information. Combined      |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| OPLANs and                          | orders to initiate the training | with the above documents, they      |             |
| orders to the                       | unit's mission planning cycle   | enable the training unit to con-    |             |
| training unit.                      | and                             | orders                              | development |
| process.                            |                                 |                                     |             |
| duct its internal mission plan      |                                 |                                     |             |
| ning                                | and                             | orders                              | production  |
| process.                            |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| Develop and                         | Using the OPFOR counter-        | These documents provide key         | 2-24        |
| issue OPFOR                         | tasks, OB, and defined OE,      | planning information. They ena      | and         |
| 2-25                                |                                 |                                     |             |
| ble the OPFOR unit to conduct       |                                 |                                     |             |
| its internal mission planning and   |                                 |                                     |             |
| rehearsal process.                  |                                 |                                     |             |
| orders.                             | the exercise planner devel      |                                     |             |
| ops and issues OPFOR                |                                 |                                     |             |
| orders.                             |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| Develop                             | Using the COE Actors and        | Instructions are normally sent      | 2-25        |
| instructions for                    | Role-Players Handbook, the      | out NLT 30 days prior to            | thru        |
| 2-27                                |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| STARTEX.                            | The                             | document                            |             |
| describes the exercise OE and       |                                 |                                     |             |
| its relationship to role-player     |                                 |                                     |             |
| requirements,                       | and                             | includes                            |             |
| scenario timeline and areas to      |                                 |                                     |             |
| be occupied (who, what, where,      |                                 |                                     |             |
| when, and duration) as well as      |                                 |                                     |             |
| personal and group profiles.        |                                 |                                     |             |
|                                     |                                 |                                     |             |
| role-players.                       | exercise planner develops       |                                     |             |
| role-player                         | instructions                    | in                                  |             |
| order to support exercise           |                                 |                                     |             |
| realism, common processes,          |                                 |                                     |             |
| key events, and the selected        |                                 |                                     |             |
| OE subvariables. Provides           |                                 |                                     |             |
| specific acting and material        |                                 |                                     |             |
| guidance to role-players so         |                                 |                                     |             |
| that they accurately represent      |                                 |                                     |             |
| the desired training condi          |                                 |                                     |             |
| tions.                              |                                 |                                     |             |
| Develop and                      | Using all products devel-   | This document is normally the    |
|----------------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------|
| 2-27                             |                             |                                  |
| issue the road                   | oped in phases 1 through    | last document produced in the    |
| to war to the                    | 4, the exercise planner     | exercise design sequence be-     |
| training unit.                   | develops and issues the     |                                  |
| road to war.                     |                             |                                  |
|                                  |                             |                                  |
| cause it depends on other        |                             |                                  |
| products in order to be com      |                             |                                  |
| pleted. It is a historical docu  |                             |                                  |
| ment that normally explains the  |                             |                                  |
| chronology of events that has    |                             |                                  |
| produced the current situation.  |                             |                                  |
| It should include the deployment |                             |                                  |
| and disposition of the training  |                             |                                  |
| unit                             | and                         | OPFOR                            |
| STARTEX; identify C-Day, M-      |                             |                                  |
| Day, and D-Day; and provide      |                             |                                  |
| reasoning for the execution of   |                             |                                  |
| training objectives and sub-     |                             |                                  |
| tasks.                           |                             |                                  |

## Appendix B Opfor Tactical Task List


The OPFOR Tactical Task List is a listing of tactical tasks that are specific to the OPFOR. OPFOR tactical organizations and individuals perform these tasks instead of the comparable tasks in the Army Universal Task List (AUTL). OPFOR organizations and individuals perform tactical tasks in order to provide challenging conditions for the execution or attempted execution of mission essential tasks by training units.



B-1. The OPFOR Tactical Task List serves as the primary source for most tasks the OPFOR must perform. Exercise planners reference this list first when conducting countertask analysis. Only if the OPFOR Tactical Task List does not contain an appropriate task is one selected for the OPFOR from the AUTL.



B-2. The format of providing the OPFOR Tactical Task List will be to first define the tactical task and then list its subtasks (and in some cases, sub-subtasks). This will be followed by a table which shows the associated measures of performance for the overall task (or for major subtasks that have sub-subtasks). Each tactical task will numbered in order to provide a standard reference for easier identification.

## Tactical Task 1.0 Assault



B-3. An *assault* is an attack that destroys an enemy force through firepower and the physical occupation and/or destruction of his position. An assault is the basic form of OPFOR tactical offensive combat. Assaults at any level of command and with any type forces have the same basic subtasks:



1.1 Isolate



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Continue to provide early warning.


Prevent the enemy from gaining further information.


Prevent enemy maneuver.


1.2 Suppress


Provide lethal and nonlethal suppression.


Suppress the enemy force to permit the assault element to move against the enemy position
without receiving destructive fire.


1.3 Assault


From the direction where least return fire is possible, the assault element employs surprise,
limited visibility, complex terrain, and camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception (C3D) to attain the enemy position while remaining combat effective.


Maneuver to and seize the enemy position, destroying any forces there.

## Tactical Task 1.0 Assault

| No.    | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|--------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01     | Yes/No   | Unit isolates enemy from assistance.              |
|        |          |                                                   |
| 02     | Time     | To suppress enemy.                                |
| 03     | Time     | To execute assault.                               |
| 04     | Yes/No   | Enemy position seized.                            |
| 05     | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 06     | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy forces.             |

## Tactical Task 2.0 Raid



B-4. A *raid* is an attack against a stationary target for the purposes of its capture or destruction that culminates in the withdrawal of the raiding detachment to safe territory. Raids can also be used to secure information and to confuse or deceive the enemy. The keys to the successful accomplishment of any are raid surprise, firepower, and violence. The raid ends with a planned withdrawal upon completion of the assigned mission. The subtasks for a raid are



2.1 Infiltrate



Conduct undetected movement through and/or into an area occupied by enemy forces to occupy a position of advantage.


2.2 Isolate



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Continue to provide early warning.


Prevent the enemy from gaining further information.


Prevent enemy maneuver.


2.3 Seize or Destroy

Attack to destroy or seize personnel or equipment.


2.4 Exfiltrate


Conduct undetected movement from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means.

## Tactical Task 2.0 Raid

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                              |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   | Unit infiltrates without detection.  |
| 02                                                | Yes/No   | Unit isolates enemy from assistance. |
| 03                                                | Time     | To seize or destroy raid target.     |
| 04                                                | Time     | To extract/exfiltrate.               |
| 05                                                | Percent  |                                      |
| Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |          |                                      |

## Tactical Task 3.0 Ambush (Annihilation)



B-5. An *ambush* is a surprise attack from a concealed position, used against moving or temporarily halted targets. The purpose of an annihilation ambush is to destroy the enemy force. These are violent attacks designed to ensure the enemy's return fire, if any, is ineffective. Generally, this type of ambush uses the terrain to the attacker's advantage and employs mines and other obstacles to halt the enemy in the kill zone. The goal of the obstacles is to keep the enemy in the kill zone throughout the action. The subtasks for an annihilation ambush are


3.1 Occupy Ambush Site



3.2 Isolate Kill Zone



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Continue to provide early warning.


Prevent the enemy from gaining further information.


Prevent enemy maneuver.


3.3 Contain Enemy


Stop, hold, or surround enemy forces and prevent them from withdrawing any element for use elsewhere.


3.4 Destroy


Render the enemy combat ineffective and/or damage selected element(s) of his combat system to the point of uselessness.


3.5 Exfiltrate


Conduct undetected movement from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means.

| No.                                            | Scale    | Measure                                          |
|------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                             | Yes/No   |                                                  |
| Unit moves to and occupies ambush site without |          |                                                  |
| detection.                                     |          |                                                  |
| 02                                             | Yes/No   | Unit isolates kill zone from assistance.         |
| 03                                             | Time     | To execute ambush.                               |
| 04                                             | Yes/No   | Enemy in kill zone during projected time window. |
| 05                                             | Yes/No   |                                                  |
| Enemy contained in kill zone.                  |          |                                                  |
| 06                                             | Percent  |                                                  |
| Friendly forces available to continue mission. |          |                                                  |
| 07                                             | Percent  |                                                  |
| Combat effectiveness of enemy force.           |          |                                                  |



## Tactical Task 4.0 Reconnaissance Attack



B-6. A *reconnaissance attack* is a tactical offensive action that locates moving, dispersed, or concealed enemy elements and either fixes or destroys them. It may also be used to gain information. The reconnaissance attack may involve multiple security and assault elements. The subtasks for a reconnaissance attack are



4.1 Find


Employ reconnaissance element(s) to locate target systems or units.


4.2 Isolate



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Continue to provide early warning.


Prevent enemy maneuver.


Prevent the enemy from gaining further information.


4.3 Fix


Prevent the enemy from moving any part of his force from a specific location for a specific
period of time.


The security element(s) making contact fix the enemy. (Security elements become fixing
elements.)


Security element(s) continue to provide early warning of approaching enemy forces and prevent them from gaining further information on the rest of the OPFOR force.


4.4 Destroy


Render the enemy combat ineffective and/or damage selected element(s) of his combat system to the point of uselessness.

| No.                                            | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                             | Percent  |                                                   |
| Of enemy elements requiring destruction found. |          |                                                   |
| 02                                             | Yes/No   | Enemy elements isolated from outside assistance.  |
| 03                                             | Time     | To find and destroy enemy elements.               |
| 04                                             | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 05                                             | Percent  |                                                   |
| Combat effectiveness of enemy force.           |          |                                                   |

## Tactical Task 5.0 Reconnaissance


B-7. *Reconnaissance* represents all measures associated with organizing, collecting, and studying information on the enemy, terrain, and weather in the area of upcoming battles. The subtasks for a reconnaissance are



5.1 Fix Enemy Security Forces


Prevent the enemy from moving any part of his security force from a specific location for a
specific period of time.


The security element(s) making contact fix the enemy. (Security elements become fixing
elements.)


Security element(s) continue to provide early warning of approaching enemy forces and prevent them from gaining further information on the rest of the OPFOR force.


5.2 Find


Employ reconnaissance element(s) to locate selected reconnaissance targets.


5.3 Contact



Gain sensor contact between reconnaissance element(s) and their designated reconnaissance
target(s).


5.4 Report


Provide accurate information on reconnaissance targets in a timely manner.

## Tactical Task 5.0 Reconnaissance

| No.                                            | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                             | Percent  |                                                   |
| Of reconnaissance targets found.               |          |                                                   |
| 02                                             | Percent  |                                                   |
| Of reconnaissance elements able to contact tar |          |                                                   |
| gets.                                          |          |                                                   |
| 03                                             | Time     | To find and report on all reconnaissance targets. |
| 04                                             | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |

## Tactical Task 6.0 Counterreconnaissance



B-8. *Counterreconnaissance* (CR) is a continuous combined arms action to locate, track and destroy all enemy reconnaissance operating in a given AOR. CR is conducted at all times and during all types of operations. The subtasks for CR are



6.1 Predict


Determine likely types and locations of critical enemy reconnaissance elements.


6.2 Find


Employ reconnaissance elements to locate enemy reconnaissance elements.


6.3 Report


Provide accurate information on reconnaissance targets in a timely manner.


6.4 Neutralize


Destroy, deceive, or obscure enemy reconnaissance elements.

## Tactical Task 6.0 Counterreconnaissance

| No.                                                | Scale    |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------|
| 01                                                 | Percent  |
| Of enemy reconnaissance elements found.            |          |
|                                                    |          |
| 02                                                 | Percent  |
| Of enemy reconnaissance elements unable to con     |          |
| tact targets.                                      |          |
|                                                    |          |
| 03                                                 | Time     |
| To find and report on all critical enemy reconnais |          |
| sance elements.                                    |          |



## Tactical Task 7.0 Defend From Simple Battle Position



B-9. A *simple battle position* (SBP) is a defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy avenue of approach or objective area. SBPs are not necessarily tied to restrictive terrain but will employ as much engineer effort as possible to restrict enemy maneuver. Defenders of SBPs will take all actions necessary to prevent enemy penetration of their position, or defeat a penetration once it has occurred. Unlike a complex battle position, which is typically independent, an SBP may form a larger integrated defense with other SBPs. The subtasks for defense from a SBP are


7.1 Control



Orient on enemy avenue of approach.


7.2 Gain Advantage


Employ terrain, survivability, and C3D to provide an advantage over attackers.

## Tactical Task 7.0 Defend From Simple Battle Position


No.
Scale
Measure
01A
Yes/No
Attacking enemy force destroyed/position retained.
01B
Yes/No
Position retained for time specified by commander.
02
Percent
Of friendly forces available to continue mission.
03
Percent
Combat effectiveness of enemy force.

## Tactical Task 8.0 Defend From Complex Battle Position



B-10. *Complex battle positions* (CBPs) are designed to protect the units within them from detection and attack while denying their seizure and occupation by the enemy. They are not necessarily tied to an avenue of approach. CBPs protect forces while providing sanctuary from which to launch local attacks. The subtasks for defense from a CBP are



8.1 Protect



Employ complex terrain, survivability, and C3D to protect the defending force from destruction.


8.2 Degrade


Retain ability to conduct systems warfare actions from protected positions.

## Tactical Task 8.0 Defend From Complex Battle Position

| No.                                                | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                 | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Position retained for time specified by commander. |          |                                                   |
| 02                                                 | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
|                                                    |          |                                                   |
| 03                                                 | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Able                                               | to       | conduct                                           |
| missions.                                          |          |                                                   |



## Tactical Task 9.0 Actions On Contact



B-11. *Actions on contact* are designed to ensure OPFOR units retain the initiative and fight under circumstances of their choosing. Actions on contact are also designed to provide the commander with the flexibility to either continue with the planned course of action or rapidly adopt a new course of action more suited to changed conditions. The subtasks for actions on contact are



9.1 Fix


Prevent the enemy from moving any part of his force from a specific location for a specific
period of time.


Security element(s) making contact fix the enemy.


Security element(s) continue to provide early warning of approaching enemy forces and prevent them from gaining further information on the rest of the OPFOR force.


Note. Security element(s) performing a fixing function are then known as fixing element(s). Fixing elements often make use of terrain chokepoints, obstacles, ambushes and other techniques to fix a larger force. When an element that is not a security element makes contact with the enemy, the commander will designate that element as a fixing element.



9.2 Assess and Report



Commander makes an assessment of the tactical situation and determines whether or not making contact in this manner and with this enemy constitutes a change in his course of action.



Commander reports to the chain of command the form of contact he has made, to include critical details of its composition and his assessment.


9.3 Isolate


Maneuver and deploys security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly.


9.4 Maintain Freedom to Maneuver


Make contact with the minimum force necessary to fix the enemy.



Make use of C3D and the break contact battle drill to prevent the OPFOR force from becoming decisively engaged.


Determine safe maneuver avenues to employ.



Freedom to maneuver is also maintained by dominating avenues of approach into the battle zone and determining the location of enemy flanks or exposed areas of weakness.


9.5 Execute Course of Action

Contacting unit either continues with its original course of action if deemed appropriate or executes a new one that suits the situation.



New course of action given to the unit based on the assessment it provides to its higher command or one chosen by the commander in absence of time or guidance.



Unit making contact ensures follow-on units are aware of the contact and deconflict positioning, typically through the use of a standard marking system.

## Tactical Task 9.0 Actions On Contact

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                              |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------------|
|                                                   |          |                                      |
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                      |
| Unit fixes enemy.                                 |          |                                      |
| 02                                                | Yes/No   |                                      |
| Unit leader assesses situation without main body  |          |                                      |
| being in contact with the enemy.                  |          |                                      |
|                                                   |          |                                      |
|                                                   |          |                                      |
| 03                                                | Time     | To report.                           |
|                                                   |          |                                      |
| 04                                                | Yes/No   | Unit isolates enemy from assistance. |
| 05                                                | Time     |                                      |
| To choose course of action (COA).                 |          |                                      |
| 06                                                | Time     |                                      |
| To execute selected COA.                          |          |                                      |
| 07                                                | Time     |                                      |
| To recommend a COA to the higher commander.       |          |                                      |
| 08                                                | Time     |                                      |
| To return to previous mission.                    |          |                                      |
| 09                                                | Percent  |                                      |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous |          |                                      |
| mission.                                          |          |                                      |
| 10                                                | Percent  |                                      |
| Combat effectiveness of enemy force that made     |          |                                      |
| contact.                                          |          |                                      |
|                                                   |          |                                      |
| 11                                                | Percent  |                                      |
| Correctness of initial assessment of enemy.       |          |                                      |

## Tactical Task 10.0 Situational Breach



B-12. A *situational breach* is the reduction of and passage through an obstacle encountered in the due course of executing another tactical task. The unit conducting a situational breach may have expected an obstacle or not, but in either case conducts a situational breach with the resources at hand and does not wait for specialized equipment and other support. The subtasks for situational breach are



10.1 Isolate



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Continue to provide early warning.


Prevent enemy from gaining further information.


Prevent enemy maneuver.


10.2 Secure


Unit takes action to ensure enemy defending the obstacle are neutralized.


10.3 Penetrate


Clearing element neutralizes the obstacle such that the action element and/or a follow-on force can complete its mission.


10.4 Execute Course of Action



Breaching unit continues with its original course of action if deemed appropriate or executes a new one that suits the situation.



New course of action given to the unit based on the assessment it provides to its higher command or one chosen by the commander in absence of time or guidance.


Breaching unit ensures follow-on units are aware of the obstacle facilitates movement, typically through the use of a standard marking system.

## Tactical Task 10.0 Situational Breach

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                        |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                |
| Unit isolates breach site from contact.           |          |                                |
| 02                                                | Time     | To secure breach site.         |
| 03                                                | Time     | To penetrate obstacle.         |
| 04                                                | Time     | To return to previous mission. |
| 05                                                | Percent  |                                |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous |          |                                |
| mission.                                          |          |                                |

## Tactical Task 11.0 Breaking Contact


B-13. The primary consideration in *breaking contact* is to remove the enemy's ability to place destructive or suppressive fires on the greater portion of the OPFOR force. This is accomplished by fixing the enemy, regaining freedom to maneuver and employing fires, counter-mobility and camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception (C3D). The subtasks for break contact are



11.1 Protect


Take immediate steps to protect the unit from this form of contact.


Direct fire: fix, C3D, terrain use.


Sensor collection: C3D, terrain use, alternate assembly areas/positions.


Emplaced obstacles and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN): alternate
assembly areas/positions.


Air, indirect fires, and electronic warfare: C3D, terrain use, alternate assembly areas/positions.


11.2 Retain Freedom to Maneuver


Commander reduces his elements in contact to only security element(s).



Commander selects one or more routes from his current location that enable his detachment to remain out of contact while permitting him to maneuver in support of his mission.


11.3 Assess and Report

Commander reports to the chain of command the form of contact he has made and critical details of its composition and his assessment.



11.4 Continue or Change in Course of Action



Commander makes an assessment of the tactical situation to determine whether or not making contact in this manner and with this enemy constitutes a change in the course of action (COA).

## Tactical Task 11.0 Break Contact

| No.                                              | Scale    | Measure                                       |
|--------------------------------------------------|----------|-----------------------------------------------|
| 01                                               | Time     |                                               |
| To implement appropriate protective measures.    |          |                                               |
|                                                  |          |                                               |
| 02                                               | Yes/No   |                                               |
| Unit leader assesses situation without main body |          |                                               |
| being in contact.                                |          |                                               |
| 03                                               | Time     | To report.                                    |
|                                                  |          |                                               |
| 04                                               | Time     | To retain/choose COA.                         |
| 05                                               | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue.     |
| 06                                               | Percent  | Correctness of initial assessment of contact. |

## Tactical Task 12.0 Fixing



|     |     |     |
|-----|-----|-----|

B-14. *Fixing* is a tactical task intended to prevent the enemy from moving any part of his force from a specific location for a period of time. The ability to fix the enemy at crucial points is the fundamental way units maintain the freedom to maneuver and retain the initiative. An enemy becomes fixed in one of three basic ways: he cannot physically move, he does not want to move, or he does not think he can move. Suppressive fires, information warfare (INFOWAR) and countermobility are the primary methods by which an enemy is fixed in this way. The subtasks for fixing are



12.1 Prevent Enemy Movement


Physically prevent enemy from moving.


Make the enemy believe he cannot move.


Make the enemy believe he does not want to move.


12.2 Execute Fixing Method or Action


Suppressive fires.


INFOWAR.


Countermobility.



## Tactical Task 12.0 Fixing


No.
Scale
Measure
01
Yes/No
Enemy was fixed.
02
Time
To select fixing action/method.
03
Time
To execute fixing action/method.
04
Percent
Of friendly force able to continue mission.



## Tactical Task 13.0 Tactical Movement



B-15. *Tactical movement* is the method by which OPFOR units move on the battlefield. It is employed in any situation where enemy contact is possible. It is most often used in offensive operations, to move from attack position to the point of attack. The subtasks for tactical movement are



13.1 Organize


Fighting patrols.


Security elements.


Security detachment.


Main body.


Routes, axes, attack zones, firing lines.


13.2 Maintain Freedom to Maneuver


Make contact with the minimum force necessary to fix the enemy.



Make use of C3D and the break contact battle drill to prevent the moving force from becoming decisively engaged.


Security element(s) determine safe maneuver avenues to employ.

## Tactical Task 13.0 Tactical Movement


No.
Scale
Measure

01
Yes/No
Fighting patrol/security element fixes enemy.
02
Yes/No
Unit leader assesses situation without main body being in contact with the enemy.


03
Time
To report.

04
Time
To choose and move to alternate route(s).
05
Time
To return to previous mission.
06
Percent
Of friendly forces available to continue previous mission.
07
Percent
Combat effectiveness of enemy force that made contact.

## Tactical Task 14.0 Disruption



B-16. *Disrupt* is a tactical task intended to upset an enemy's formation or tempo, interrupt the enemy's timetable, cause the enemy to commit his forces prematurely, and/or cause him to attack in piecemeal fashion. The purpose of a disruption force is to significantly degrade the enemy's combat capability and to prevent the enemy from conducting an effective operation. The primary task of the disruption force is to initiate the attack against the enemy's combat system. The subtasks for disruption are



14.1 Destroy or Deceive Enemy Reconnaissance


14.2 Gain and Maintain Reconnaissance Contact with Key Enemy Elements


14.3 Contain the Enemy


Stop, hold, or surround enemy forces.


Prevent the enemy from withdrawing any element for use elsewhere.


14.4 Destroy the Enemy


Render the enemy combat ineffective and/or damage elements of the enemy's combat system to the point of uselessness.


14.5 Exfiltrate


Conduct undetected movement from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means.

## Tactical Task 14.0 Disruption

| No.                                                | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|----------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
|                                                    |          |                                                   |
| 01                                                 | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Enemy reconnaissance able to locate friendly high- |          |                                                   |
| value targets (HVTs) destroyed or deceived.        |          |                                                   |
| 02                                                 | Percent  | Enemy HVTs identified, tracked, destroyed.        |
| 03                                                 | Time     | Enemy delayed.                                    |
|                                                    |          |                                                   |
| 04                                                 | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Enemy forced to deploy to friendly time schedule.  |          |                                                   |
| 05                                                 | Yes/No   | Enemy main body contained.                        |
| 06                                                 | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 07                                                 | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.              |

## Tactical Task 15.0 Integrated Attack



B-17. *Integrated attack* is an offensive action where the OPFOR seeks military decision by destroying the enemy's will and/or ability to continue fighting through the application of combined arms effects. Integrated attack is often employed when the OPFOR enjoys overmatch with respect to its opponent and is able to bring all elements of offensive combat power to bear. It may also be employed against a more sophisticated and capable opponent, if the appropriate window of opportunity is created or available. The subtasks for integrated attack are



15.1 Planning


Determine decisive points.

Backwards plan from destruction of critical enemy combat service support and command and control (C2) organizations back to the current time.
o  Destruction of objective. o  Maneuver of exploitation force to objective. o  Use of assault force to enable exploitation force. o  Fixing force isolates decisive points. o  Disruption force executes disruption of enemy.
o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


15.2 Preparation



Create task organization and C2 of disruption force, fixing force, assault force, exploitation force, reserves, and deception force.


Execute deception and disruption.

15.3 Rehearsal



15.4 Execution


Disruption force executes disruption of enemy; focuses on preventing detection of exploitation force.


Fixing force(s) maneuver and fire to ensure the decisive point is isolated.



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing forces.)


Assault force conducts action to set conditions for exploitation force success.


Exploitation force destroys target enemy or seizes objective.

## Tactical Task 15.0 Integrated Attack

| No.                                                  | Scale    | Measure                                     |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Mission accomplished.                                |          |                                             |
| 02                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Assault forces created correct conditions for exploi |          |                                             |
| tation forces' success.                              |          |                                             |
| 03                                                   | Time     | To complete mission.                        |
| 04                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Fixing forces isolated decisive points.              |          |                                             |
| 05                                                   | Yes/No   | Disruption forces accomplished mission.     |
| 06                                                   | Percent  |                                             |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous    |          |                                             |
| mission.                                             |          |                                             |
| 07                                                   | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.        |
| 08                                                   | Percent  | Correctness of initial assessment of enemy. |
|                                                      |          |                                             |

## Tactical Task 16.0 Dispersed Attack



B-18. *Dispersed attack* is the primary manner in which the OPFOR conducts offensive action when threatened by a superior enemy and/or when unable to mass or provide integrated C2 to an attack. This is not to say that the dispersed attack cannot or should not be used against peer forces, but as a rule integrated attack will more completely attain objectives in such situations. Dispersed attack relies on INFOWAR and dispersion of forces to permit the OPFOR to conduct tactical offensive actions while overmatched by precision standoff weapons and imagery and signals sensors. The dispersed attack is continuous and comes from multiple directions. It employs multiple means working together in a very interdependent way. The attack can be dispersed in time as well as space. The subtasks for dispersed attack are



16.1 Planning


Determine decisive points.


Determine need for window of opportunity and/or multiple exploitation forces.

Backwards plan from destruction of key elements of the enemy's combat system back to the
current time.
o  Destruction of objective(s). o  Maneuver of exploitation forces to objective(s). o  Use of assault force(s) to enable exploitation force. o  Fixing force(s) isolate decisive points. o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


16.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of disruption force(s), fixing force(s), assault force(s), exploitation force(s), reserves, and deception force.


Execute deception and disruption.

16.3 Rehearsal



16.4 Execution

Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy.



Focus on preventing detection of exploitation forces.


Fixing forces maneuver and fire to ensure the decisive point is isolated.



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


Assault force(s) conduct action to set conditions for exploitation forces' success.


Exploitation force(s) destroys target enemy or seize objectives.

## Tactical Task 16.0 Dispersed Attack

| No.                                                  | Scale    | Measure                                       |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------|-----------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                   | Yes/No   |                                               |
| Mission accomplished.                                |          |                                               |
| 02                                                   | Yes/No   |                                               |
| Assault forces created correct conditions for exploi |          |                                               |
| tation forces' success.                              |          |                                               |
| 03                                                   | Time     | To complete mission.                          |
| 04                                                   | Yes/No   |                                               |
| Fixing forces isolated decisive points.              |          |                                               |
| 05                                                   | Yes/No   | Disruption forces accomplished their mission. |
| 06                                                   | Percent  |                                               |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous    |          |                                               |
| mission.                                             |          |                                               |
| 07                                                   | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.          |
| 08                                                   | Percent  | Correctness of initial assessment of enemy.   |
|                                                      |          |                                               |

## Tactical Task 17.0 Fire And Maneuver



B-19. *Fire and maneuver* is the way in which OPFOR small units move while in contact with the enemy. When required to move while in contact with the enemy, the OPFOR commander selects a part of his force to be the support (or firing) element and part to be the action (or moving) element. The support element then directs suppressing fire against any enemy that has the ability to influence the movement of the action element. The action element then moves either to a firing line or to the objective. Once it reaches its new position, it becomes the new support element, and the former support element becomes the new moving element.



Note. The critical aspect of executing fire and maneuver is the commander's selection of the right amount of combat power and resources to assign to each of the elements of his force. If the support element does not have the ability to significantly reduce the effectiveness of the enemy, the action element will be destroyed. If the action element does not have the combat power to take the objective or assume its new role as support element, the mission will fail.


B-20. The subtasks for fire and maneuver are



17.1 Make Contact


17.2 Fix


Prevent the enemy from moving any part of his force from a specific location for a specific
period of time.

Commander selects a part of his force to be the support (or firing) element and part to be the action (or moving) element.



Support element directs suppressing fire against any enemy that has the ability to influence
the movement of the action element.


Security element(s) continue to provide early warning of approaching enemy forces and prevents them from gaining further information on the rest of the OPFOR force.


Note. A support element that prevents other parts of the enemy force from influencing the movement of the action force is then known as a fixing element. Fixing elements often make use of terrain chokepoints, obstacles, ambushes and other techniques to fix a larger force. When contact is made with an element that is not a support element, the commander will designate that element as a fixing element.



17.3 Isolate



Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)


17.4 Maneuver

Action element maneuvers to new position of advantage with respect to the enemy.



On order, action element assumes role as new support element or assaults the enemy.



If further maneuver is required, continue alternation of fixing the enemy and maneuvering
against enemy.

## Tactical Task 17.0 Fire And Maneuver

| No.                                                     | Scale    | Measure                           |
|---------------------------------------------------------|----------|-----------------------------------|
|                                                         |          |                                   |
| 01                                                      | Yes/No   |                                   |
| Unit fixes enemy.                                       |          |                                   |
| 02                                                      | Yes/No   |                                   |
| Unit leader correctly structures his force quickly into |          |                                   |
| support and action elements.                            |          |                                   |
| 03                                                      | Yes/No   | Support element suppresses enemy. |
|                                                         |          |                                   |
| 04                                                      | Yes/No   |                                   |
| Security element isolates enemy from assistance.        |          |                                   |
| 05                                                      | Yes/No   |                                   |
| Action element maneuvers to position of advan           |          |                                   |
| tage.                                                   |          |                                   |
| 06                                                      | Time     | To make each maneuver.            |
| 07                                                      | Time     | To assault and destroy enemy.     |
|                                                         |          |                                   |
| 08                                                      | Percent  |                                   |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous       |          |                                   |
| mission.                                                |          |                                   |
| 09                                                      | Percent  |                                   |
| Combat effectiveness of enemy force that made           |          |                                   |
| contact.                                                |          |                                   |
|                                                         |          |                                   |
| 10                                                      | Percent  |                                   |
| Correctness of initial assessment of enemy.             |          |                                   |

## Tactical Task 18.0 All-Arms Air Defense



B-21. *All-arms air defense* is the simultaneous employment of several arms, in some cases including air defense systems, to achieve an effect against the enemy air threat that will render greater results than the use of air defense assets and systems alone. Thus, all OPFOR units possess some type of an organic air defense capability to differing degrees, depending on the type and size of the unit. The extent to which this capability can be applied is limited only by the commander and staff's knowledge of the enemy air threat, capabilities of their own systems, and their ability to apply that knowledge to come up with innovative solutions.

The subtasks for all-arms air defense are

##  18.1 Planning



Locate or predict enemy airfields; forward arming and refueling points (FARPs); flight routes; drop, landing, and pickup zones (DZ/LZ/PZ); and helicopter firing positions.


Determine need for window of opportunity.

Backwards plan from destruction of aircraft back to the current time.
o  Destruction of aircraft. o  Detection of aircraft. o  Maneuver to firing position and/or placement of obstacles.
o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity. o  Disruption force(s) executes disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.



Look for new and adaptive ways of employing existing capabilities (not only air defense systems but also systems not traditionally associated with air defense) to damage and/or destroy enemy aircraft when within range.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets and potential cache sites.


Identify affiliated forces (such as insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that can perform air defense functions.


Determine potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.

Determine the decisive point for aircraft destruction.
o  On the ground (using indirect fire, WMD, direct action, or precision munitions).
o  In flight, but before entering the airspace over OPFOR ground maneuver forces (using
air defense weapons, directed energy weapons, or direct fire).

o  In the airspace above OPFOR battle positions (using air defense weapons, other
ground force weapons, obstacles, or anti-helicopter mines).

18.2 Preparation



All units incorporate the use of their weapons to engage tactical aircraft into their tactics, techniques, and procedures.


All units routinely train in techniques for engaging enemy aircraft.


All units execute deception and disruption.

18.3 Rehearsal



18.4 Execution


All units post air observers.


Detect and report the presence of enemy aircraft (on the ground or in the air).


Destroy enemy aircraft.


Prevent aerial observation.


Force the aircraft to expend their munitions before reaching the optimum or effective range.


Divert enemy aircraft before reaching their targets.


Force the enemy to break off and/or discontinue the air attack.


Mitigate the effectiveness of the enemy air attack.

## Tactical Task 18.0 All-Arms Air Defense

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                                              |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|------------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                                      |
| Prevented enemy aircraft from interfering with    |          |                                                      |
| OPFOR missions.                                   |          |                                                      |
| 02                                                | Yes/No   |                                                      |
| Defended the unit from aerial observation and air |          |                                                      |
| attack.                                           |          |                                                      |
| 03                                                | Percent  | Destroyed enemy aircraft.                            |
| 04                                                | Yes/No   |                                                      |
| Forced enemy aircraft to expend their munitions   |          |                                                      |
| before reaching the optimum or effective range.   |          |                                                      |
| 05                                                | Yes/No   |                                                      |
| Diverted enemy aircraft before reaching their tar |          |                                                      |
| gets.                                             |          |                                                      |
| 06                                                | Yes/No   |                                                      |
| Forced the enemy to break off and/or discontinue  |          |                                                      |
| the air attack.                                   |          |                                                      |
| 07                                                | Percent  | Mitigated the effectiveness of the enemy air attack. |
| 08                                                | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy aircraft.              |

## Tactical Task 19.0 Antilanding Actions



B-22. *Antilanding actions* are those methods used to prevent landings by airborne or heliborne troops or to destroy enemy landing forces on the ground as soon after landing as possible. Antilanding actions can and will be executed by any force with the capability to affect the aircraft or the landing forces. However, this is a combined arms action that primarily falls to the antilanding reserve (ALR) for execution. The subtasks for antilanding actions are



19.1 Planning


Locate and predict drop and landing zones (DZs or LZs).


Determine need for window of opportunity.

Backwards plan from destruction of landing forces back to the current time.
o  Destruction of landing forces. o  Detection of landing forces.
o  Maneuver to firing position and/or placement of obstacles. o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity. o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets and potential cache sites.



Identify affiliated forces (such as insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups and criminal organizations) that can perform or support antilanding functions.


Determine potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.



Determine the decisive point for destruction of landing forces.
o  On the ground, before air transport (using indirect fire, WMD, direct action, or precision munitions).

o  En route to or in the vicinity of LZs or DZs (using air defense weapons, directed energy weapons, direct fire, obstacles, or anti-helicopter mines).

o  In an LZ or DZ (using indirect fire, WMD, direct fire, direct action, precision munitions, or infantry with antitank weapons).


Note. The OPFOR prefers to prevent landings by airborne or heliborne troops through the destruction of the troop transport aircraft in flight. Failing that, it will take significant actions to destroy landing forces on the ground as soon after landing as possible. Antilanding forces are given their own attack zone to control their actions against landing forces. Such an attack zone may only be activated for the duration of an antilanding action or may be assigned to the ALR permanently. Kill zones are used to control both ground and air defense engagements.

##  19.2 Preparation



Create one or more ALRs.


Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), and deception force.


Assign attack zone(s) and kill zone(s).

##  19.3 Rehearsal



The ALR rehearses actions in the vicinity of the LZs or DZs as well as movement between
assembly areas, hide positions, and attack positions, and between LZs or DZs.

##  19.4 Execution



Transmit early warning from the main command post to the ALR.



ALR moves to positions in the attack zone from which it can engage transport aircraft and
destroy landing forces on the ground.
o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of the enemy; focus on preventing detection of
action element(s).


o  Security element(s) maneuver and fire to ensure the decisive point is isolated to ensure
additional enemy forces do not join the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)
o  Support element(s) conduct action to set conditions for action elements' success.
o  Action element(s) destroy targeted enemy.

## Tactical Task 19.0 Antilanding Actions

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                                         |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                                 |
| Mission accomplished.                             |          |                                                 |
| 02                                                | Yes/No   |                                                 |
| Support element(s) created correct conditions for |          |                                                 |
| action elements' success.                         |          |                                                 |
| 03                                                | Time     | To complete mission.                            |
| 04                                                | Yes/No   |                                                 |
| Security element(s) isolated decisive points.     |          |                                                 |
| 05                                                | Yes/No   | Disruption force(s) accomplished their mission. |
| 06                                                | Percent  |                                                 |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous |          |                                                 |
| mission.                                          |          |                                                 |
| 07                                                | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.            |
| 08                                                | Percent  | Correctness of initial assessment of enemy.     |
|                                                   |          |                                                 |

## Tactical Task 20.0 Sophisticated Ambush



B-23. A *sophisticated ambush* is the linking in time and task of RISTA, attacking forces, and window of opportunity to destroy key enemy systems or cause politically unacceptable casualties. What makes a sophisticated ambush "sophisticated" is not the actual attack means. In fact, the actual ambush is executed by tactical-level forces. What makes it "sophisticated" is the linking of sensor, ambusher, window of opportunity, and a target that affects an enemy center of gravity. This may require sophisticated ambushes to be planned, coordinated, and resourced at the operational level. (See chapter 3, FM 7-100.1.) The subtasks and sub-subtasks for the sophisticated ambush are



20.1 Planning



Choose the target enemy force or system. (In a system's warfare approach, this force or system is typically chosen for its role in the enemy's combat system.)


Locate and predict target locations.


Determine need for window of opportunity.

Backwards plan from destruction of target back to the current time.
o  Destruction of target. o  Tracking of target.
o  Maneuver to firing position and/or placement of obstacles. o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity. o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets and potential cache sites.



Identify affiliated forces (such as insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR,
groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, as well as individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that can participate or assist in the sophisticated ambush.


Identify potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.


Determine the decisive point.


Establish attack zone and kill zone(s).


Note. Sophisticated ambushes can be executed by any force with the capability to destroy the target. Forces or elements conducting sophisticated ambushes are given their own attack zone to control their actions. Such an attack zone is only activated for the duration of the action. Kill zones are used to control both ground and air engagements.


20.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), disruption force(s), and deception force.


Execute deception and disruption.

20.3 Rehearsal



Ambushing detachment rehearses actions in the vicinity of the kill zone as well as movement between assembly areas, hide positions, and attack positions.


20.4 Execution


Occupy the Ambush Site 20.4.1



Isolate the Kill Zone 20.4.1
o  Maneuver and deploy security element(s) to ensure additional enemy forces do not join
the battle unexpectedly. (Security elements may become fixing elements.)
o  Security element(s) continue to provide early warning. o  Prevent the enemy from gaining further information.
o  Prevent enemy maneuver.

Contain the Enemy 20.4.2
o  Stop, hold, or surround enemy forces. o  Prevent the enemy from withdrawing any element for use elsewhere.



Destroy the Enemy 20.4.3
o  Render the enemy combat ineffective and/or damage selected element(s) of his combat
system to the point of uselessness.



Exfiltrate 20.4.4
o  Conduct undetected movement from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception,
surprise, or clandestine means.

## Tactical Task 20.0 Sophisticated Ambush

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                                  |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                          |
| Unit moves to and occupies ambush site without    |          |                                          |
| detection.                                        |          |                                          |
| 02                                                | Yes/No   | Unit isolates kill zone from assistance. |
| 03                                                | Time     | To execute ambush.                       |
| 04                                                | Yes/No   |                                          |
| Enemy in kill zone during projected time window.  |          |                                          |
| 05                                                | Yes/No   | Enemy contained in kill zone.            |
| 06                                                | Percent  |                                          |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous |          |                                          |
| mission.                                          |          |                                          |
| 07                                                | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.     |

## Tactical Task 21.0 Maneuver Defense



B-24. A *maneuver defense* is a type of defensive action designed to achieve tactical decision by skillfully using fires and maneuver to destroy key elements of the enemy's combat system and deny enemy forces their objective, while preserving the friendly force. Within the enemy's combat system, the OPFOR would often target the enemy's C2 or logistics forces rather than his less vulnerable combat and combat support forces. Maneuver defenses cause the enemy to continually lose effectiveness until he can no longer achieve his objectives. They can also economize force in less important areas while the OPFOR moves additional forces onto the most threatened axes. The subtasks for maneuver defense are



21.1 Planning


Plan a succession of defensive lines throughout the area of responsibility (AOR).


Plan successive battle positions and repositioning routes throughout the AOR.


Identify high-value targets and kill zones.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets.


Determine decisive points.

Backwards plan from destruction of key element(s) of the enemy's combat system back to
the current time.
o  Destruction of objective(s). o  Repositioning of forces to expose objective to attack. o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


21.2 Preparation



Create task organization and C2 of disruption force, main defense force (contact force and shielding force), reserves, deception force(s), and counterattack force(s.)


Execute deception and disruption.

21.3 Rehearsal



21.4 Execution


Disruption force executes disruption of enemy; focus on preventing interference with repositioning forces and detection and attack of high-value targets.


Contact and shielding forces maneuver and fire to ensure the decisive point is isolated.


Counterattack forces destroy key element(s) of the enemy's combat system or seize objective.

## Tactical Task 21.0 Maneuver Defense


No.
Scale
Measure
01
Yes/No
Mission accomplished.
02
Yes/No
Disruption force(s) created correct conditions for main defense force (contact and shielding forces) success.
03
Time
To complete mission.
04
Yes/No
Contact and shielding forces isolated decisive points.
05
Percent
Of friendly forces available to continue previous mission.
06
Percent
Combat effectiveness of enemy force.
07
Percent
Correctness of initial assessment of enemy.


## Tactical Task 22.0 Area Defense


B-25. *Area defense* is a type of defensive action designed to achieve a decision by either



Forcing the enemy's offensive operations to culminate before he can achieve his objectives or



Denying the enemy his objectives while preserving combat power until decision can be achieved through strategic operations or operational mission accomplishment.
The area defense does not surrender the initiative to the attacking forces, but takes action to create windows of opportunity that permit forces to attack key elements of the enemy's combat system and cause unacceptable casualties. The subtasks for area defense are


22.1 Planning


Establish locations for complex battle positions within the battle zone.


Determine key terrain throughout the battle zone.


Develop a counterreconnaissance plan.


Locate and predict target locations.


Develop an integrated fires plan.


Determine decisive points.


Establish kill zone(s).



Backwards plan from destruction of key elements of the enemy's combat system back to the
current time.
o  Enemy attack culminates before he can achieve his objective or before the protected
force is destroyed.
o  Reconnaissance fires and disruption conduct systems warfare on the enemy. o  Disruption force executes disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


22.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of disruption force(s), main defense force, reserves, deception force(s), and counterattack force(s).


Designate the protected force (if any).


Execute deception and disruption.

22.3 Rehearsal



22.4 Execution


Disruption force executes disruption of enemy; focus on preventing interference with repositioning forces and detection/attack of high-value targets.



Main defense forces conduct reconnaissance fires and disruption to ensure the enemy culminates his attack before the protected force is destroyed.



Counterattack forces destroy key element(s) of the enemy's combat system (often targeting
C2 or logistics) or seize objective.

## Tactical Task 22.0 Area Defense

| No.                                                  | Scale    | Measure                                     |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Mission accomplished.                                |          |                                             |
| 02                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Disruption force created correct conditions for main |          |                                             |
| defense force success.                               |          |                                             |
| 03                                                   | Time     | To complete mission.                        |
| 04                                                   | Yes/No   |                                             |
| Protected force is combat effective.                 |          |                                             |
| 05                                                   | Percent  |                                             |
| Of friendly forces available to continue previous    |          |                                             |
| mission.                                             |          |                                             |
| 06                                                   | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.        |
| 07                                                   | Percent  | Correctness of initial assessment of enemy. |
|                                                      |          |                                             |

## Tactical Task 23.0 Information Warfare



B-26. *Information warfare* (INFOWAR) is defined as specifically planned and integrated actions taken to achieve an information advantage at critical points and times. The goal is to influence an enemy's decisionmaking through his collected and available information, information systems, and information-based processes, while retaining the ability to employ friendly information, information-based processes, and systems. The seven elements or subtasks for INFOWAR are



Deception.


Electronic warfare.


Perception management.


Computer warfare.


Information attack.


Protection and security measures.


Physical destruction.

## Tactical Subtask 23.1 Deception



B-27. *Deception* includes measures designed to mislead the enemy by manipulation, distortion, or falsification of information. The OPFOR integrates these deception measures into every tactical action; it does not plan deception measures and activities in an ad hoc manner. A deception plan is always a major portion of the overall INFOWAR plan. The OPFOR formulates its plan of action, overall INFOWAR plan, and deception plan concurrently. It attempts to deceive the enemy concerning the exact strength and composition of its forces, their deployment and orientation, and their intended manner of employment. When successfully conducted, deception activities ensure that the OPFOR achieves tactical surprise, while enhancing force survivability. All deception measures and activities are continuously coordinated with deception plans and operations at higher levels. The sub-subtasks for deception are

##  23.1.1 Planning



Choose the target enemy force or system. This force or system is typically chosen for its role in the enemy's combat system.


Locate and predict target location.


Determine need for window of opportunity.

Backwards plan from influence of deception target back to the current time.
o  Deception of target. o  Tracking of target. o  Maneuver to place deception resources in effective position as necessary.
o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity. o  Disruption force(s) executes disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets necessary to support deception.


Identify potential cache sites required.



Identify affiliated forces (such as  insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that may be required to participate or assist in the deception.


Determine potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.

Choose method(s) of deception that best affect the deception target. This may be a combination of methods and must consider the characteristics of the operational environment and the nature of the larger ongoing operation. Such methods include
o  Electronic deception (manipulative, simulative, imitative). o  Physical deception (decoys [physical signature], thermal, acoustic).
o  Influence operations (radio, TV/video, print, Internet). o  Military deception (feint, demonstration, ruse).

##  23.1.2 Preparation



Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), and deception force(s) or element(s).


Note. The battle plan and/or INFOWAR plan may call for the creation of one or more deception forces or elements. This means that nonexistent or partially existing formations attempt to present the illusion of real or larger units. When the INFOWAR plan requires forces to take some action (such as a feint or demonstration), these forces are designated as deception forces or elements in close-hold executive summaries of the plan. Wide-distribution copies of the plan make reference to these forces according to the functional designation given them in the deception story.



Execute disruption.

23.1.3 Rehearsal



The deception force rehearses actions in a concealed location. This includes any military actions such as movement between assembly areas, hide positions, and attack positions.


23.1.4 Execution


Verify deception target.


Execute deception actions.


Monitor and assess deception effectiveness.


## Tactical Subtask 23.1 Deception

| No.                                    | Scale    | Measure                      |
|----------------------------------------|----------|------------------------------|
| 01                                     | Yes/No   |                              |
| Deception target takes desired action. |          |                              |
| 02                                     | Yes/No   | Deception is not discovered. |
| 03                                     | Time     | Target is deceived.          |

## Tactical Subtask 23.2 Electronic Warfare



B-28. *Electronic warfare* (EW) is activities conducted to control or deny the enemy's use of the electromagnetic spectrum, while ensuring its use by the OPFOR. EW capabilities allow an actor to exploit, deceive, degrade, disrupt, damage, or destroy sensors, processors, and C2 nodes. At a minimum, the goal of EW is to control the use of the electromagnetic spectrum at critical locations and times in an OE or to attack a specific system. The OPFOR realizes that it cannot completely deny the enemy's use of the spectrum. Thus, the goal of OPFOR EW is to control (limit or disrupt) his use or selectively deny it at specific locations and times on the battlefield, at the OPFOR's choosing. In this way, the OPFOR intends to challenge the enemy's goal of information dominance.

B-29. For the OPFOR, EW consists of two main activities:



Signals reconnaissance is action taken to detect, identify, locate, and track high-value targets
(HVTs) through the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. (Thus, signals reconnaissance is essentially the same as the U.S. task Provide Signals Intelligence on Specified Targets in the Universal Joint Task List. Therefore, it is not covered in detail here in the OPFOR Tactical Task List.)


Electronic attack (EA) supports the disaggregation of enemy forces, primarily through jamming.
The EA-related sub-subtasks for EW are


23.2.1 Planning



Choose the target enemy force(s) and system(s). (In a systems warfare approach, this force
or system is typically chosen for its role in the enemy's combat system.)


Locate or predict target location.


Determine need for window of opportunity.



Backwards plan from attack on target back to the current time.
o  Electronic attack (EA) on target.
o  Tracking of target location and activity.
o  Maneuver to place EA resources in effective position as necessary.
o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity.
o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy.
o  Rehearsals.
o  Preparation.
o  Planning.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets necessary to support EA.


Identify affiliated forces (such as insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and even criminal organizations) that can participate in support of the EA.


Determine potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.


Choose method(s) of EA that best affect the target.


23.2.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), disruption force, and deception force.


Conduct target location.


Execute disruption.

23.2.3 Rehearsal



Action element(s) rehearse actions in a concealed location. This includes any military actions such as movement between assembly areas and hide positions.


23.2.4 Execution


Verify the target audience (organization or population).


Conduct EA.


Monitor and assess EA effectiveness.

| No.                      | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|--------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                       | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| EA has desired effect.   |          |                                                   |
| 02                       | Yes/No   | Action and support elements not discovered.       |
| 03                       | Time     | Target is affected.                               |
| 04                       | Time     |                                                   |
| To place EA into effect. |          |                                                   |
| 05                       | Percent  | Of assessment of effectiveness that is correct.   |
| 06                       | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 07                       | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.              |

## Tactical Subtask 23.3 Perception Management



B-30. *Perception management* involves measures aimed at creating a perception of truth that best suits OPFOR objectives. It integrates a number of widely differing activities that use a combination of true, false, misleading, or manipulated information. Targeted audiences range from enemy forces, to the local populace, to world popular opinion. The sub-subtasks for perception management are



23.3.1 Planning


Choose the target audience.


Coordinate required communications media support.



Backwards plan from influence of target back to the current time.
o  Execute perception management actions.
o  Verify the target audience (organization or population).
o  Rehearsals.
o  Preparation.
o  Planning.



Indentify affiliated forces (such as insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR
or others that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that can participate or assist in perception management functions.



Choose the method(s) of perception management that best affect the target audience. This
may be a combination of methods and must consider the characteristics of the operational environment and the nature of the larger ongoing operation. Such methods include


o  Psychological warfare (PSYWAR).
o  Direct action.
o  Public affairs.
o  Media manipulation (radio, TV/video, print, Internet).


23.3.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), disruption force, and deception force.


Study the target audience.


Execute disruption.

23.3.3 Rehearsal



PSYWAR and direct action forces rehearse actions in a concealed location. This includes any military actions such as movement between assembly areas, hide positions, and attack positions.


23.3.4 Execution


Verify the target audience (organization or population).



Execute perception management actions (PSYWAR, direct action, public affairs, and/or media manipulation).


Monitor and assess perception management effectiveness.

## Tactical Subtask 23.3 Perception Management

| No.                                       | Scale    | Measure                                         |
|-------------------------------------------|----------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                        | Yes/No   |                                                 |
| Perception management has desired effect. |          |                                                 |
| 02                                        | Time     | Target is affected.                             |
| 03                                        | Percent  | Of assessment of effectiveness that is correct. |

## Tactical Subtask 23.4 Computer Warfare And Information Attack



B-31. *Computer warfare* (CW) consists of attacks that focus specifically on the computer systems, networks, and/or nodes. This includes a wide variety of activities, ranging from unauthorized access (hacking)
of information systems for intelligence-collection purposes, to the insertion of malicious software (viruses, worms, logic bombs, or Trojan horses). Such attacks concentrate on the denial, disruption, or manipulation of the integrity of the information infrastructure. The OPFOR may attempt to accomplish these activities through the use of agents or third-party individuals with direct access to enemy information systems. It can also continually access and attack systems at great distances via communications links such as the Internet.


B-32. *Information attack* (IA) is the intentional disruption or distortion of information in a manner that supports accomplishment of the mission. Unlike computer warfare attacks that target the information systems, IAs target the information itself. Attacks on the commercial Internet by civilian hackers have demonstrated the vulnerability of cyber and information systems to innovative and flexible penetration, disruption, or distortion techniques.

B-33. The sub-subtasks for CW and IA are



23.4.1 Planning



Choose the target enemy information technology system. (In a systems warfare approach, this system is typically chosen for its role in the enemy's combat system.)


Locate or predict target location.


Determine need for window of opportunity.


Plan backwards from attack on target back to the current time.
o  Attack on target.
o  Tracking of target.
o  Maneuver to place CW and IA resources in effective position as necessary.
o  Use of C3D and window(s) of opportunity.
o  Disruption force(s) executes disruption of enemy.


o  Rehearsals.
o  Preparation.
o  Planning.


Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets necessary to support CW.



Identify affiliated forces (such as sympathetic insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that can participate in support of CW or IA.


Identify potential means and routes of infiltration and potential sources of supply.



Choose the method(s) of CW and IA that best affect the target, such as
o  Destructive intrusion.
o  Manipulative intrusion.
o  Electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
o  Physical destruction.
o  Power spike or denial.
o  Undetected information acquisition.


23.4.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of disruption force(s), action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), and deception force.


Execute disruption.

23.4.3 Rehearsal



The forces and elements rehearse actions in a concealed location. This includes any military
actions such as movement between assembly areas, hide positions, and attack positions.


23.4.4 Execution


Verify the target information or information system(s).


Execute CW and IA (destructive intrusion, manipulative intrusion, EMP, physical destruction, power spike or denial, denial of service, and/or undetected information acquisition).

## Tactical Subtask 23.4 Computer Warfare And Information Attack

| No.                         | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|-----------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                          | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| CW/IA has desired effect.   |          |                                                   |
| 02                          | Yes/No   | CW/IA and support elements not discovered.        |
| 03                          | Time     | Target is affected.                               |
| 04                          | Time     |                                                   |
| To place CW/IA into effect. |          |                                                   |
| 05                          | Percent  | Of assessment of effectiveness that is correct.   |
| 06                          | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 07                          | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.              |

## Tactical Subtask 23.5 Protection And Security Measures



B-34. *Protection and security measures* is an element of INFOWAR that encompass a wide range of activities, incorporating the elements of deception and EW. Successfully conducted protection and security measures significantly enhance tactical survivability and preserve combat power. The OPFOR will attempt to exploit the large number, and apparently superior technology, of the enemy's sensors. For example, it employs software at the tactical level that allows it to analyze the enemy's satellite intelligence collection capabilities and warn friendly forces of the risk of detection. The use of signature-reducing and signaturealtering devices, along with diligent application of operations security measures, supports deception activities in addition to denying information. At the tactical level, protection and security measures focus primarily on counterreconnaissance (see Tactical Task 6.0), C3D, and information security. The sub-subtasks for protection/security measures are



23.5.1 Planning



Identify friendly information system(s) that are potential targets for attack. (This system is typically chosen for its significant role in current OPFOR operations and its value to enemy plans.)



Identify complex terrain in the vicinity of identified targets, which could support enemy computer warfare or information attacks.

Backwards plan from execution of protection and security measures to the current time.
o  Execute information protection and security measures. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


Identify affiliated forces (such as sympathetic insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) that can assist or participate in support of the enemy attack.

Determine potential means and routes of enemy infiltration.

Identify vulnerabilities with respect to
o  Destructive intrusion. o  Manipulative intrusion. o  EMP. o  Physical destruction. o  Power spike or denial. o  Information theft.


23.5.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of information protection and security forces and elements.


Execute disruption.

23.5.3 Rehearsal



Conduct rehearsals in a concealed location.


23.5.4 Execution


Verify information system(s) to be protected.

Execute information protection and security measures.
o  Counterreconnaissance. o  C3D measures. o  Information security procedures.
o  Physical security procedures. o  Personnel security procedures. o  Pre-emptive actions. o  Deception.


Monitor and assess effectiveness or protection and security measures.



No.
Scale
Measure
01
Yes/No
Enemy successful.
02
Percent
Of assessment of effectiveness that is correct.
03
Percent
Of friendly forces available to continue mission.
04
Percent
Combat effectiveness of enemy force.

## Tactical Subtask 23.6 Physical Destruction



B-35. *Physical destruction* as an element of INFOWAR is those physical measures taken to destroy critical components of the enemy force. C2 nodes and target acquisition sensors are a major part of the fire support plan during physical destruction action. The OPFOR integrates all types of conventional and precision weapon systems to conduct the destructive fires, to include fixed- and rotary-wing aviation, cannon artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and surface-to-surface missiles. It can also utilize other means of destruction, such as explosives delivered by special-purpose forces (SPF), insurgents, terrorists, or other affiliated forces. Priority targets typically include target acquisition sensors, tactical command posts, and major communication and C2 systems. The sub-subtasks for physical destruction are



23.6.1 Planning


Develop a priority target list.


Locate or predict target locations.


Develop a comprehensive fire support plan.



Identify affiliated forces (such as sympathetic insurgent groups, groups with ethnic ties to the OPFOR, groups that sympathize with the OPFOR for political reasons, individual sympathizers, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations) can participate in support of physical destruction.

Determine potential means and routes of infiltration.



Develop a deception plan.


23.6.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 of action element(s), support element(s), security element(s), and deception force(s) to execute physical destruction of prioritized target list.

23.6.3 Rehearsal



Conduct rehearsals in a concealed location. This includes any military actions such as movement between assembly areas, hide positions, and attack or firing positions.


23.6.4 Execution


Verify location, activity, and dispositions of the target list.


Execute physical destruction of target enemy assets.


Monitor and assess physical destruction effectiveness.

| No.                                             | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|-------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                              | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Enemy successful.                               |          |                                                   |
| 02                                              | Percent  |                                                   |
| Of assessment of effectiveness that is correct. |          |                                                   |
| 03                                              | Percent  | Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |
| 04                                              | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.              |

## Tactical Task 24.0 Insurgency



B-36. *Insurgent forces* are groups that conduct irregular or unconventional warfare within the borders or their country in order to undermine or overthrow a constituted government or civil authority. An insurgent organization may use more than one form of tactics and, based on its strategy, its actions could cut across the entire spectrum of warfareemploying terror, guerrilla, and conventional military tactics to achieve its goals. The subtasks for insurgent forces are



24.1 Planning


Determine decisive points.


Backwards plan from destruction of critical enemy systems and organizations back to the
current time.
o  Destruction of objective. o  Maneuver of action element (s) or exploitation force to objective. o  Use of enabling force(s) or element(s) to create opportunity for the exploitation force
or action element(s).
o  Fixing force(s) or element(s) isolate decisive points. o  Disruption force(s) execute disruption of enemy. o  Rehearsals. o  Preparation. o  Planning.


Task-organize insurgent cells to accomplish all functions while being resistant to enemy
counterinsurgency or law enforcement actions.


24.2 Preparation


Create task organization and C2 for disruption force(s), action element(s), exploitation force, support element(s), security element(s), and deception force(s).


Conduct continuous disruption in order to
o  Destroy or deceive enemy reconnaissance. o  Gain and maintain reconnaissance contact with key enemy elements. o  Prevent the enemy from moving without exposure to continuous attack. o  Damage key elements of the enemy's combat system to the point of uselessness.
o  Prevent the enemy from constructing a reliable sanctuary.

24.3 Rehearsal



Rehearse all actions, as practicable, in locations that are not detectable by the enemy.


24.4 Execution


Maintain support of the local population through perception management operations.


Conduct counterintelligence, information protection and security measures, and force protection to prevent disruption by enemy operations.



Integrate ethnic, tribal, cultural, and religious characteristics of the operational environment to support insurgent operations and ensure the local populace remains hostile to enemy goals.

Secure sanctuary and funding from outside the area of influence of the enemy.



Infiltrate and exfiltrate. (Ensure all movement is undetected through the use of stealth, deception, local population, surprise, or clandestine means.)

Employ all means necessary:
o  Conventional: assault, raid, reconnaissance attack, and ambush. o  Unconventional: bombing/improvised explosive device (IED), kidnapping, shelling,
WMD, hijacking, and sabotage.

o  Information warfare: deception, perception management, electronic warfare, computer
warfare, information attack, protection and security measures, and physical destruction.

## Tactical Task 24.0 Insurgency

| No.                                               | Scale    | Measure                                           |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------|
| 01                                                | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Reconnaissance able to locate enemy high-value    |          |                                                   |
| targets (HVTs) destroyed or deceived.             |          |                                                   |
| 02                                                | Percent  |                                                   |
| Enemy HVTs identified, tracked, and destroyed.    |          |                                                   |
| 03                                                | Time     | Enemy delayed.                                    |
|                                                   |          |                                                   |
| 04                                                | Yes/No   | Enemy forced to deploy to friendly time schedule. |
| 05                                                | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Mission accomplished.                             |          |                                                   |
| 06                                                | Percent  |                                                   |
| Of friendly forces available to continue mission. |          |                                                   |
| 07                                                | Percent  | Combat effectiveness of enemy force.              |
| 08                                                | Yes/No   | Insurgent sanctuary penetrated.                   |
|                                                   |          |                                                   |
| 09                                                | Yes/No   |                                                   |
| Insurgent funds and supplies disrupted by enemy   |          |                                                   |
| operations.                                       |          |                                                   |

## Appendix C Scenario Blueprints



A training scenario blueprint is a pictorial and textual representation of the results of task and countertask analysis. A blueprint is presented as a course of action (COA) sketch with accompanying text. The actions and entities depicted establish the necessary full spectrum training conditions that provide the opportunity to accomplish training objectives.

## Scenario Blueprint Concept



C-1. The purpose of a scenario blueprint is to serve as a framework of circumstances and situations that will provide the appropriate full spectrum training for leaders and units. Blueprints should not be considered rigid templates and must be modified to accommodate training desired tasks. They are the result of the exercise design process and provide a starting point for battlefield geometry, potential application of the operational variables (PMESII-PT), logical hybrid threat forces, and training conditions. A training scenario blueprint provides an example of the key circumstances, situations, events and actions of a training event with COA sketches and text.



C-2. Blueprints are intended to be used in conjunction with TC 7-101 to fully develop comprehensive full spectrum training events. A scenario blueprint provides a basis to assess the resources required to establish the conditions of the operational environment (OE) needed to adequately challenge the training tasks based on task and countertask analysis. Once the desired training unit tasks are determined, exercise planners must design an opposing force (OPFOR) to conduct the appropriate countertasks. A training venue may or may not be resourced with all the personnel, equipment, or facilities necessary to create the OE conditions required to fully train units on desired tasks. In the cases where the resources identified as necessary to adequately challenge training tasks are not available, the commander and training planners must assess training risk and develop mitigation strategies. Using this TC provides a tool for commanders and trainers to determine how much training risk is being accepted and what alternatives are available.



C-3. The geostrategic setting for the scenariocommonly known as the "road to war"is created by exercise planners after all relevant conditions are selected in order to provide a logical framework for understanding the training OE. The strategic setting should reflect the unique character of the available training geography and local requirements. The actual or fictitious adversaries, the description of motivation for activities, and other elements that establish the logic of the OE conditions are added as needed once a training scenario that challenges the training tasks is completed. The identity and motivations of the adversary (real or fictitious) provide a context to the scenario that is necessary but secondary to establishing conditions to adequately challenge training tasks.

## Exercise Design



C-4. As discussed in chapter 1, the exercise design process begins with the training unit commander selecting his training objectives and the operational theme for the training event. The operational theme may be major combat operations (MCO) or irregular warfare (IW) or a combination. The training objectives are broken down into unit and leader tasks to be trained and the commander's assessment of the unit's current training state. An example set of tasks for a heavy brigade combat team (HBCT) conducting offensive operations in a full-spectrum setting might be



Conduct an Attack.


Conduct Security Operations.

Conduct Lethal and Nonlethal Fire Support.



Conduct Mobility Operations.


Conduct Information Operations.


Conduct Humanitarian and Civic Assistance.


Protect Critical Assets.


C-5. Exercise planners examine the training tasks and conduct a countertask analysis to determine what is needed to challenge the tasks at the appropriate level. The countertask analysis includes all the elements of the OE that may be necessary to challenge the tasks. A set of countertasks that challenges the tasks in the above example might be



Conduct Maneuver Defense.


Conduct Disruption.


Conduct Actions on Contact.


Conduct Counterreconnaissance.


Prepare Obstacles.


Conduct Information Warfare (INFOWAR).


Conduct Insurgent Operations.


C-6. With the task and countertask analysis complete, the exercise planners choose an OE, an OPFOR, and a set of courses of action (COAs) that provides the countertasks as a challenging set of conditions.

Chapter 2 provides the tools to properly scale the OPFOR and develop the needed OE conditions to support the countertasks developed. It also provides the step-by-step process to fill out the blueprint framework with the detailed planning and resources needed to conduct the countertasks.



C-7. Typically, the countertasks suggest a COA. There is not one right solution, so long as the solution chosen challenges the things the unit is trying to accomplish. The sources for OPFOR COAs are the TC 7-100 series. Tactical-level COAs are also listed in appendix B of this TC, which contains the OPFOR Tactical Task List, which is the source for countertasks.  Continuing this example, the exercise planners see that the selected countertasks support a particular OPFOR COA. Figure C-1 shows an example of the COA sketch and text (COA statement) that go with the OPFOR countertasks listed above.

## Scenario Blueprint Examples



C-8. This appendix provides six examples to explain how scenario blueprints are designed and used. The first example, which describes the process in detail, is a continuation of the exercise design example above. The remaining five examples are provided for illustrative purposes. The six examples each individually focus on an emphasized aspect of full spectrum operations. Three of the examples do so within an MCO
operational theme and three within an IW operational theme. All six examples are based on an HBCT conducting tasks relevant to the operational theme. Each scenario blueprint provides for an emphasis on training one component of full spectrum operations with the other components present but not the training focus. However, training tasks associated with the non-emphasis components will be included in the design and conditions established that provide the opportunity to train those designated tasks.

## Mco Blueprint Examples

C-9. The following are three examples of scenario blueprints with an MCO operational theme. One example has an offensive emphasis, one a defensive emphasis, and the other a stability operations emphasis for the training unit.


## Mco Blueprint Example 1: Offensive Emphasis Blueprint


C-10. For illustrative purposes, this blueprint is based on the example of training unit tasks and OPFOR countertasks in paragraphs C-4 and C-5 above. In this case, the OPFOR chooses to conduct a maneuver defense involving a combination of regular military and insurgent forces. (See figure C-1.)

C-11. **Course of Action: OPFOR Maneuver Defense.** The OPFOR disrupts command and control (C2)
and security forces to deny effective situational understanding and provide freedom of maneuver to the contact force. The disruption force consisting of an infantry-based detachment including special-purpose forces (SPF) teams and affiliated insurgent forces



Fixes the reconnaissance squadron.


Conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management.


Forces the early deployment of the combined arms battalions.


Destroys intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets.


C-12. The contact force consists of an infantry-based detachment with supporting artillery and information warfare (INFOWAR) assets. It delays the combined arms detachments and forces the HBCT to slow and deploy its fires, sustainment and C2 assets in areas vulnerable to attack by OPFOR fires and the disruption force. The shielding force consists of an antitank-based detachment with supporting artillery and INFOWAR assets. It fixes the two combined arms battalions by conducting attack by fire and permits the contact force to conduct a retrograde to pre-planned battle positions. When this retrograde is complete, the shielding force becomes the new contact force, and the maneuver is repeated until the HBCT's attack is culminated and is vulnerable to counterattack.



C-13. By this point, an initial depiction of the exercise scenario and the sequence of events has emerged. However, the scenario has to be constructed to accommodate training area terrain and constraints. The scenario developer fits the depiction to the terrain and timeline for the training event. The end result is a training event that contains all the components of full spectrum operations in a realistic OE.

## Mco Blueprint Example 2: Defensive Emphasis Blueprint



C-14. In this blueprint, the OPFOR chose to use a dispersed attack to overcome some of the U.S. advantages in ISR, close air support, and other stand-off fires. (See figure C-2.) If the training tasks called for the training unit to operate without those enablers, the OPFOR might have chosen to conduct an integrated attack.



C-15. **Course of Action: OPFOR Dispersed Attack.** The OPFOR disrupts C2 and security forces to prevent effective response to other actions and deny effective situational understanding. The disruption force consisting of a reconnaissance battalion, two antitank batteries, an INFOWAR unit, guerrillas, and a supporting rocket launcher battery



Fixes the reconnaissance squadron.


Conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management.


Blocks quick reaction force (QRF) and reserve routes.


Destroys ISR assets.
C-16. The OPFOR fixes the two combined arms battalions by conducting attacks with three combined arms detachments. The mission of the fixing force is to prevent either combined arms battalion from repositioning significant combat power to protect the HBCT's C2 and sustainment assets from attack. The OPFOR conducts an air assault to destroy HBCT C2 and fires assets in order to permit effective action by the exploitation force. The air assault consists of a battalion-size infantry and antitank detachment aug-


mented by INFOWAR elements. The OPFOR destroys the HBCT's sustainment capability by attacking the brigade support area (BSA) with an exploitation force consisting of six SPF teams, an artillery battalion, an air defense battery, and affiliated guerrilla forces.

## Mco Blueprint Example 3: Stability Operations Emphasis Blueprint



C-17. In this blueprint, none of the countertasks chosen include conduct of combat operations by conventional, regular military forces. Therefore, the OPFOR COA focuses on guerrilla operations (see figure C-
3).


C-18. **Course of Action: OPFOR Guerrilla Operations.** The OPFOR disrupts C2 and security forces to deny effective situational understanding and provide freedom of maneuver to the guerrilla force. The disruption force, including guerrilla elements and SPF teams



Fixes the reconnaissance squadron (not shown).


Conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management.


Prevents effective sustainment.


Prevents the creation of stable civil functions.


C-19. OPFOR conventional force remnants occupy defensive positions or move toward sanctuary international border or rugged terrain. The conventional force near the international border is prepared to provide aid to guerrilla elements as needed.

## Iw Blueprint Examples


C-20. The following are three examples of scenario blueprints with an IW operational theme. (See figures C-4 through C-6.) One example has an offensive emphasis, one a defensive emphasis, and one a stability operations emphasis for the training unit.

## Iw Blueprint Example 1: Offensive Emphasis Blueprint



C-21. In this blueprint, the countertasks required are executed primarily by regular military forces conducting an area defense, with affiliated guerrilla elements acting as part of the disruption force. (See figure C-
4.)


C-22. **Course of Action: OPFOR Area Defense.** The OPFOR disrupts C2 and security forces to deny effective situational understanding and provide freedom of maneuver to the main defense force. The disruption force outside the complex battle position (CBP) of the main defense force



Fixes the reconnaissance squadron (only part of which is shown in figure C-4).


Conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management.


Forces the early deployment of the combined arms battalions; and destroys ISR assets.


C-23. The main defense force consists of an infantry-based detachment with supporting engineer and air defense assets. It defends from a CBP and protects OPFOR C2, INFOWAR, fires, and sustainment from enemy attack.



C-24. The OPFOR reserve blocks the enemy shaping force and permits freedom of maneuver to the counterattack and main defense forces. The counterattack force blocks the decisive force and permits the protected force (C2, INFOWAR, fires, and sustainment assets) to destroy the HBCT's sustainment and C2 assets and then exfiltrate to remain viable for future battles.

## Iw Blueprint Example 2: Defensive Emphasis Blueprint


C-25. In this blueprint, the countertasks are executed by guerilla forces attacking a perimeter defense. (See figure C-5.)

C-26. **Course of Action: OPFOR Integrated Attack.** The OPFOR disrupts C2 and security forces to prevent effective response to other actions and deny effective situational understanding. The disruption force (not shown)



Fixes the reconnaissance squadron.


Conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management.


Blocks reserve routes.


Destroys ISR assets.


C-27. The OPFOR fixes the three combined arms battalions by conducting attacks with multiple guerrilla elements with supporting fires and antitank assets. The mission of the fixing force is to prevent any of the combined arms battalions from repositioning significant combat power to protect the HBCT's C2 and sustainment assets from attack. The OPFOR conducts an assault with a guerrilla element to destroy HBCT C2
and fires assets, to permit effective action by the exploitation force. The OPFOR destroys the HBCT's sustainment capability by attacking the BSA with an exploitation force consisting of guerrilla forces.

## Iw Blueprint Example 3: Stability Operations Emphasis Blueprint


C-28. In this blueprint, the countertasks required are those that oppose stability action. Some of these countertasks will be executed by noncombatant actors opposed to creation of a stable environment due to political, ethnic, or religious motivations. (See figure C-6.)

C-29. **Course of Action: OPFOR Guerrilla Operations.** The OPFOR disrupts C2 and security forces to deny effective situational understanding and provide freedom of maneuver to the guerrilla force. The disruption force fixes the reconnaissance squadron (not shown); conducts deception, electronic warfare, and perception management; prevents effective sustainment; and prevents the creation of stable civil functions.


## Glossary Section I - Acronyms And Abbreviations



AA
avenue of approach
AAR
after-action review
abn
airborne
ACV
armored command vehicle
AD
air defense
AFS
administrative force structure
AKO
Army Knowledge Online
ALR
antilanding reserve
amphib
amphibious
AO
area of operations
APC
armored personnel carrier
AR
Army regulation
ARFOR
Army forces
ART
Army tactical task

AT
antitank
AUTL
Army Universal Task List

BCT
brigade combat team

BCTP
Battle Command Training Program

BMCT
beginning of morning civil twilight

BMNT
beginning of morning nautical twilight
BSA
brigade support area
BTG
brigade tactical group
C
Celsius

C2
command and control
C3D
camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception
C4I
command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence
CATS
combined arms training strategy

CBP
complex battle position
CBRN
chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear

cdr
commander

CG
commanding general

cmd
command
COA
course of action

COE
Contemporary Operational Environment
COG
commander, operations group
COMINT
communications intelligence
CPPCG
United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

CPX
command post exercise
CR
counterreconnaissance
CTC
combat training center
CW
computer warfare

DAL
defended asset list

DZ
drop zone
EA
electronic attack

EECT
end of evening civil twilight

EENT
end of evening nautical twilight
ELINT
electronic intelligence
EMP
electromagnetic pulse
EW
electronic warfare
EXCON
exercise control

EXROE
exercise rules of engagement

F
Fahrenheit

FARP
forward arming and refueling point
FISINT
foreign instrumentation signals intelligence

FM
field manual
FRAGO
fragmentary order
FSV
fire support vehicle

GPS
global positioning system
HACV
heavy armored combat vehicle
HI
heat index

HQDA
Headquarters, Department of the Army
HUMINT
human intelligence

HVT
high-value target

IA
information attack
IED
improvised explosive device
IFSV
infantry fire support vehicle
IFV
infantry fighting vehicle
IMINT
imagery intelligence
INFOWAR
information warfare
IR
Infrared
ISR
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
IW
irregular warfare
JFC
joint force commander
JOA
joint operations area

JP
joint publication

JTIDS
joint tactical information distribution system

LOS
line of sight
L-V-C-G
live, virtual, constructive, and gaming

LZ
landing zone

m
Meters

MC
mobility corridor
MCO
major combat operations
MCTC
maneuver combat training center
MEDEVAC
medical evacuation
METL
mission-essential task list
mph
miles per hour

MRX
mission rehearsal exercise

Mt
Mount
N
North
NGO
nongovernmental organization
OB
order of battle

OE
operational environment

OEA
operational environment assessment
OPFOR
opposing force
OPORD
operation order
ops
Operations
OPTEMPO
operational tempo
OSINT
open-source intelligence

P
partially trained
PL
phase line
PMESII-PT
political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical
environment, and time (see also PMESII-PT under terms)

POL
petroleum, oil, and lubricants

psnl
Personnel
PSO
private security organization
PSYWAR
psychological warfare

PZ
pickup zone
QRF
quick reaction force
recon
reconnaissance
RISTA
reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition

SATCOM
satellite communications

SBP
simple battle position
SIGINT
signals intelligence
SOP
standing operating procedures
SPF
special-purpose forces

STARTEX
start of exercise
STRAC
Standards in Training Commission
T
trained
TC
training circular

tech
technology
TMD
theater missile defense

TOE
table of organization and equipment
TRADOC
Training and Doctrine Command
TRISA
TRADOC G-2 Intelligence Support Activity
TTP
tactics, techniques, and procedures
U
untrained
U.S.
United States
UAV
unmanned aerial vehicle
UDHR
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

UHF
ultrahigh frequency
UJTL
Universal Joint Task List
UNECE
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
veh
vehicle

VHF
very high frequency
WARNO
warning order
WBGT
wet bulb globe temperature
WEG
Worldwide Equipment Guide
WFF
warfighting function
WMD
weapons of mass destruction

## Section Ii - Terms Operational Environment

A composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander.

## Pmesii-Pt

A memory aid for the operational variables used to describe an operational environment: political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time.

## Contemporary Operational Environment

The collective set of conditions, derived from a composite of actual worldwide conditions, that pose realistic challenges for training, leader development, and capabilities development for Army forces and their joint, intergovernmental, interagency and multinational partners.

## References Department Of The Army Forms

The DA Form is available on the Army Publishing Directorate web site (www.apd.army.mil).

DA Form 2028,  Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms.



## Documents Needed



These documents must be available to the intended users of this publication. FM 1-02. *Operational Terms and Graphics*. 21 September 2004. FM 7-100.1, *Opposing Force Operations*. 27 December 2004.
FM 7-100.4, *Opposing Force Organization Guide*. 3 May 2007. Associated online organizational
directories, volumes I-IV, available on TRADOC G2-TRISA Website at
https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/19296289 (AKO access required). Associated Worldwide
Equipment Guide, volumes 1-3, available on TRADOC G2-TRISA Website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/files/14751393 (AKO access required).
JP 1-02. *Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms*. Available online:

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/
TC 7-100. *Hybrid Threat.* 26 November 2010.

## Readings Recommended

These sources contain relevant supplemental information.
AR 15-6, Procedures for Investigating Officers and Boards of Officers. 2 October 2006.
ATTP 3-34.80, Geospatial Engineering. 29 July 2010.
FM 2-0, Intelligence. 23 March 2010.
FM 2-01.3, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield/Battlespace {MCRP 2-3A}. 15 October 2009.
FM 3-0, Operations. 27 February 2008.
FM 3-07, Stability Operations. 6 October 2008.
FM 5-0, The Operations Process. 26 March 2010.
FM 7-0, Training for Full Spectrum Operations. 12 December 2008.
FM 7-15, The Army Universal Task List. 27 February 2009.
JP 2-0, Joint Intelligence. 22 June 2007.
JP 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support to Joint Operations. 22 March 2007.
JP 2-01.3, Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment. 16 June 2009.
JP 3-0, Joint Operations. 17 September 2006.
JP 3-05, Doctrine for Joint Special Operations. 17 December 2003.
JP 3-13, Information Operations. 13 February 2006.
JP 3-15, Barriers, Obstacles, and Mine Warfare for Joint Operations. 26 April 2007.
JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 12 April 2001.
TC 2-33.4, Intelligence Analysis. 1 July 2009.



This page intentionally left blank.

## Index

Entries are by paragraph number unless page (p.) or pages (pp.) is specified.

## A

administrative force structure,
2-282-33

## C

COE. See Contemporary

public communications me
dia, pp. 3-203-21
infrastructure variable, pp. 3-263-30
construction pattern, pp. 3-263-27
transportation architecture, p. 3-30
urbanized building density, Operational Environment.

commander's assessment, 2-8 common processes, 2-78 Contemporary Operational Environment, 3-3
p. 3-29
urban zones, pp. 3-273-28 utilities present, p. 3-29 utility level, pp. 3-293-30

## E

initial planning, 2-22-2-16 initial planning conference, 2-2
economic variable, pp. 3-12
3-14
banking and finance, key events, 2-792-81
key event resolution,
p. 3-44
p. 3-14
economic activity, p. 3-13 economic diversity,


pp. 3-123-13
employment status, p. 3-13 illegal economic activity,

military variable, pp. 3-63-11
government paramilitary forces, p. 3-8
military forces, p. 3-7 military functions, pp. 3-10
3-11
nonmilitary armed comba
tants, p. 3-10
non-state paramilitary forces, pp. 3-83-9
unarmed combatants, p. 3-9

p. 3-14
exercise design checklist,
pp. A-1A-4
exercise design sequence,
pp. 2-12-27. *See also* exer cise design checklist.
exercise design tools, p. vi exercise director, 1-71-8 exercise parameters, 2-22-9 exercise planner, 1-9 exercise resources, 2-7 exercise responsibilities,
pp. 1-11-4
exercise type, 2-12, 2-53

## F

final planning conference, 2-91
I

information variable, pp. 3-20

OE. See operational environ
ment.
OEA. See operational
environment assessment.
OE-WFF analysis, 2-712-76 operational environment, 2-40 operational environment as
sessment, 2-482-51
actual, modified, or
composite, 2-15, 2-55 2-59

3-25
information management,
pp. 3-243-25
information warfare,
operational environment
warfighting function analysis. See OE-WFF analysis.
pp. 3-213-23
intelligence, pp. 3-233-24
operational theme, 2-13, 2-54


## K

operational variables,
2-432-47
definitions, 2-44 economic variable, pp. 3-123-14
information variable, pp. 3-203-25
infrastructure variable, pp. 3-263-30
military variable, pp. 3-7
3-11
order of consideration,
2-522-59
physical environment varia
ble, pp. 3-313-3-42
political variable, pp. 3-2
3-6
social variable, pp. 3-15
3-19
sub-subvariables, 3-5 subvariables, 2-452-47,

## M



3-53-8
subvariable selection
example, 2-612-70
time variable, pp. 3-423-46
OPFOR administrative force
structure, 2-282-33
OPFOR countertasks, 2-21
2-24. *See also* OPFOR Tactical Task List.


OPFOR order of battle and
task organization, 2-252-33
OPFOR orders and plans,
2-962-97

## O

OPFOR Tactical Task List,
pp. B-1B-32
OPFOR tier levels, 2-342-38 order of battle. See OPFOR
order of battle and task organization.
orders and plans,
higher unit, 2-95 OPFOR, 2-962-97
orders, plans, and instruction
development, 2-832-104
Entries are by paragraph number unless page (p.) or pages (pp.) is specified.



P
political variable (*continued*)
government effectiveness
and legitimacy, p. 3-5
influential political groups, p.
3-6
type of government, p. 3-4


## R

road to war, 2-104 role-player instructions, 2-98
2-103
physical environment variable,
pp. 3-313-42
climate, p. 3-38 natural hazards, p. 3-37 terrain, pp. 3-333-34. See
separate entry for sub
subvariables.
weather, pp. 3-393-42.
See separate entry for sub-subvariables.

## S

scenario blueprints, pp. C-1
C-8
irregular warfare blueprint
examples, pp. C-5C-8
major combat operations
blueprint examples, pp. C-2C-5
senior trainer, 1-11-6 social variable, pp. 3-153-19
common languages, p. 3-18 criminal activity, p. 3-18 demographic mix, p. 3-15
3-16
education level, p. 3-16 ethnic diversity, pp. 3-16
3-17
human rights, pp. 3-18
3-19
population movement,
PMESII-PT operational
environment development,
2-402-82
definitions, 2-44
economic variable,
pp. 3-123-14
information variable,
pp. 3-203-25
infrastructure variable,
pp. 3-263-30
military variable, pp. 3-7
3-11
order of consideration,
2-522-59
physical environment varia
ble, pp. 3-313-42
political variable, pp. 3-2
3-6
social variable, pp. 3-15
3-19
sub-subvariables, 3-5 subvariables, 2-452-47,

p. 3-17
religious diversity, p. 3-17 social volatility, p. 3-16
STARTEX conference, 2-91
T
task and countertask development, 2-172-39

3-53-8
subvariable selection ex
ample, 2-612-70
time variable, pp. 3-423-46
political variable, pp. 3-23-6
attitude toward the United
States, p. 3-3
centers of political power,

terrain, pp. 3-333-34
landforms, p. 3-34

p. 3-4



| terrain (                      |
|--------------------------------|
|                                |
| vegetation, p. 3-35            |
|                                |
| terrain complexity, p. 3-35    |
|                                |
| mobility classification,       |
|                                |
| p. 3-36                        |
|                                |
| tier levels, 2-342-38         |
|                                |
| time parameters, 2-11          |
|                                |
| time variable, pp. 3-433-46   |
|                                |
| cultural perception of time,   |
| p. 3-44                        |
|                                |
| information offset, p. 3-45    |
|                                |
| key dates, time periods, or    |
|                                |
| events, p. 3-46                |
|                                |
| key event resolution,          |
|                                |
| p. 3-44                        |
|                                |
| knowledge of the AO,           |
|                                |
| p. 3-43                        |
|                                |
| tactical exploitation of time, |
|                                |
| p. 3-45                        |
|                                |
| training objectives, 2-5       |
|                                |
| troop list, 2-4                |
|                                |

## U

unit-requested conditions, 2-6

## W

weather, pp. 3-393-42
cloud cover, p. 3-42 high temperatureheat
index, p. 3-40
low temperaturewind chill
index, p. 3-40
precipitation, p. 3-40 relative humidity, p. 3-42 visibility, p. 3-41 wind, p. 3-41

WEG. See Worldwide Equip
ment Guide.
Worldwide Equipment Guide,
2-342-38


By order of the Secretary of the Army:
General, United States Army Chief of Staff Official:

## Joyce E. Morrow



Administrative Assistant to Secretary of the Army
1030802


## Distribution:

Active Army, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve: Not to be distributed; electronic media only.