Paper edited

22 July 2020

Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) is a systematic methodology which focuses on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for the commander and those below them with an aim of getting inside the enemy’s operational or strategic vulnerabilities and center of gravity (COG). The diplomatic aspect focuses on the characteristics of the target which includes the diplomatic position, relationships with other countries, regional balances of power, bilateral agreements, alliances and coalitions with other powers, diplomatic representation, and problems they encounter with international law which may include maritime claims and neutrality declarations among others. The informational nodes aim at analyzing all the data and information about the adversary’s options. The information aspect considers all the media which includes print media comprised of newspapers, journals, and magazines, audio-visual media comprising of television, radio stations, information ministry, agencies which deal with matters of intelligence, and postal facilities, to mention but a few (“JIPOE Notes,” 2013).

The economic nodes focus on matters pertaining the economic characteristics of the adversary, and include the following: economic policies, budget deficit, currency, inflation rate, economic performance, gross national product (GNP), gross domestic product (GDP), banking system, market system, transportation system, heavy industry, defense industry, light industry, covert programs of producing weapons of mass destruction, energy industry, work force by sectors, fisheries, tourism, strength and influence of trade unions, unemployment, living standards, nutrition level, agricultural sector which focuses on land use patterns, land ownership, and food distribution systems, and natural resources which is comprised of minerals, water supply, and energy resources, to mention but a few. The military nodes consider military leadership at all levels, plans and orders, key terrain, no-fly zones, maritime defense zones, territorial waters, air defense identification zones, exclusion zones, and ammunition storage, to mention but a few (“JIPOE Notes,” 2013).

As a future SGM/CSM, the information on the adversary’s economic, military, informational, and diplomatic power would be very helpful in performing my roles effectively. First, I would be able to offer advisory services to the command on matters like when to attack, methods to use for effective attack, who to involve on the plan, and the resources required, to mention a few. The information would also help me to support the commander in matters of logistics monitoring which would help us win the war. I would also be able to make decisions in a Command Post (CP) on what digital systems come on line first and, therefore, ensuring there is order in the CP. The information would also equip me with the necessary knowledge which would assist me to make the informative training briefings, tasking, courtesies, customs, regulations, policies, ceremonies, calendars and training schedules, making recommendations, and managing systems (Kraus, n.d.).

In conclusion, the JIPOE assesses the enemy’s diplomatic position and characteristics, matters pertaining economy, military characteristics, and informational nodes which focus on matters of data and information, among other nodes. The information is very useful to SGM/CSM in preparing for wars, offering training, and carrying out leadership roles effectively, among others.

References