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Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment During Operation Anaconda

Operation Anaconda was a battle that occurred in Shahi Khot Valley, Afghanistan in early March 2002. It was the first major battle and the largest operation in Afghanistan that began after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. (cite) The operation was led by Major General F.L Hagenbeck, Commander of the 10th Mountain Division based out of Fort Drum, New York and the mission was to remove the remaining Taliban fighters in Shahi Khot Valley. In his memoirs, American Soldier, former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Tommy Franks, USA, (Ret.) portrayed Operation Anaconda, as an “absolute and unqualified success,” but one in which the original U.S. military battle plan “didn’t survive first contact with the enemy.” (cite) Operation Anaconda offered many lessons learned about the operations successes and failures through the planning process. Anaconda’s “unqualified success” was due to the force’s adaptability to the operational environment, joint forces support, and overcoming lack of unity of command.

Adaptability O.E

The original day for Operation Anaconda was set for 28 February. There was a final weather decision that needed to be made by 26 February to allow the special reconnaissance (SR) teams into place.

Joint Forces Support

Operation Anaconda, The battle has many distinctions, one of which being fought at a higher altitude than any other American battle. (Naylor, 2006)

Overcoming lack of unity of command

Determining the Enemy’s COA

Conclusion

Although the initial planning and start of Operation Anaconda was a failure ultimately in the end it was a success. During Operation Anaconda the use of JIPOE was successfully because commanders began defining the OE, describing the impact of OE, evaluating the adversary, and determining the enemy’s (COA).

References

Naylor, Sean. (2006). Operation Anaconda. Retrieved from http://web.mit.edu/SSP/seminars/w ed _archives06spring/naylor.htm