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Previous: 3-124: Situational Obstacle
3-125. The Infantry platoon leader never has all the information needed about the enemy. Therefore, the platoon leader obtains or develops the best possible IPB products, conducts continuous reconnaissance, and integrates new and updated intelligence throughout the operation. He may need to request information through the CoIST from the battalion staff to answer platoon information requirements. (Refer to FM 3-21.10 for more information.)
3-126. As with all tactical planning, IPB is a critical part of defensive planning. It helps the platoon leader define where to concentrate combat power, where to accept risk, and where to plan potential decisive operations. To aid in the development of a flexible defensive plan, the IPB must present all feasible enemy courses of action. The essential areas of focus are—
- Analyze terrain and weather.
- Determine enemy force size and likely courses of action with associated decision points.
- Determine enemy vulnerabilities and high value targets.
- Impact of civilian population on the defense.
3-127. The platoon leader, in coordination with the CoIST, base determinations of how and where to defeat the enemy on potential future enemy locations, the terrain, and forces available. The Infantry company may define a defeat mechanism including the use of single or multiple counterattacks to achieve success. The platoon leader analyzes the platoon’s role in the Infantry company fight and determines how to achieve success.
Next: 3-128: Fires
Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad