In Search of the Center of Gravity: Operational Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield

This study is about intelligence at the operational level. Specifically, it discusses intelligence preparation of the battlefield IPB and its relationship with campaign planning. At the tactical level of war, the Army feels rather comfortable with intelligence architecture, the IPB process, and battle planning. At the operational level, however, IPB in support of campaign planning is not as clear or as codified in doctrinal writings. To determine how operational level IPB supports campaign planning I must first look at current doctrine on IPB at both the tactical and operational levels of war. I will follow this with a brief review of the origins and evolution of operational art as well as a study of the theoretical literature of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz to demonstrate that operational IPB has its roots in their seminal works.