Defining Nature: Evolving Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield to Build a Theoretical Construct for the Multi-Media Operational Environment

Future operational concepts contained in Joint Vision 2010 and the accompanying service level concepts emphasizes full spectrum, full dimensional dominance, allowing the application of force in time and space that cannot be equaled by a potential adversary. A campaign planner must take into account all of the factors that shape the very nature of this form of conflict based primarily on the operational environment and its effects on potential adversaries, both enemy and friendly. The campaign planning model contained in JP 3-0 and JP 5-0, and intelligence preparation of the battlefield IPB as described in FM 34-130 are the prescriptive tools for achieving this end. Joint doctrine writers are attempting to expand on this doctrine by pursuing the development of a methodology for Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace. This monograph is a compliment to this particular effort, and attempts to detail a singular, simple construct for synthesizing the available data that defines a theater of operation and how a given set of belligerents will operate in the given operational environment of the theater. This monograph will attempt to develop and evaluate a singular environmental theoretical construct for operational planning, based on lines of communication. The construct will specifically expand this context to a discussion of the interaction of operational media the multi-media operational environment. The monograph will develop the theoretical construct, and will apply it to future operational concepts to determine its flexibility and utility in establishing full spectrum, full dimensional dominance. The monograph will begin the construct by establishing the theoretical terms for lines of communication and the operational media. A clear definition of operational media as they pertain to operations and campaigns will be the necessary start point.