Infantry Drills

A-67: Assumptions



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A-67. Leaders must understand assumption the battalion S-2 uses to portray the enemy’s COA. Furthermore, their own assumptions about the enemy must be consistent with those of their higher commander. Leaders must continually improve their situational understanding of the enemy and update their enemy templates as new information or trends become available. Deviations or significant conclusions reached during their enemy analysis could positively or negatively affect the battalion’s and company’s plan should be shared immediately with the battalion, company commander and S-2.


A-68. In analyzing the enemy, the leader must understand the IPB. Although he usually does not prepare IPB products for his subordinates, he must be able to use the products of the higher headquarters’ IPB.

Next: A-69: Doctrinal Analysis (How Enemy Will Fight)

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad