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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Terrain Analysis

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Terrain Analysis Defined

The collection, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of geographical information on the natural and man-made features of the terrain combined with other relevant factors to predict the effect of terrain on military operations. (FM 1-02 Operation Terms and Graphics)

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Terrain Analysis--Relevance Used during the OPORD

process Conducted during the METT-TC

phase of the Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs)

Uses the acronym OCOKA to identify and evaluate the effects of terrain and weather on all military operations

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

O bservation and Fields of Fire

C over and ConcealmentO bstaclesK ey TerrainA venues of Approach

Terrain Analysis--OCOKA

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Observation is the ability to see the threat either visually or through use of surveillance devices.

Fields of Fire are areas that a weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given position.

OCOKAObservation and Fields of Fire

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning: Observation & Fields of Fire

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

OCOKACover and Concealment

Cover is protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires.

Concealment is protection from observation.

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning:Cover and Concealment

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

OCOKAObstacles

An obstacle is any obstruction designed to disrupt, turn, fix or block the movement of an opposing force in order to impose additional losses to personnel, time and equipment.

Obstacles can be natural or manmade, or a combination of both

Obstacles are classified as existing and reinforcing

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Purpose/Effects of Obstacles Disrupt—upsets the enemy’s formation, tempo,

timetable, and forces him to commit forces prematurely and attack in a piecemeal fashion

Fix—prevents the enemy from moving any part of his force from a particular location for a particular period of time

Turn—forces the enemy from one avenue of approach or route onto another

Block—denies the enemy access to an area or prevents his advance along a direction or avenue of approach

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning:Obstacles

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

OCOKAKey Terrain Any locality or area of which the seizure,

retention, or control affords a marked advantage to either combatant.

Decisive Terrain—Key terrain whose seizure, control, or retention is mandatory for mission success

Seize versus secure Key Terrain

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning: Key Terrain

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

OCOKAAvenues of Approach

An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path

Mobility Corridor - Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed

Routes and Infiltration Lanes—more defined course to be traveled, may or may not be along a mobility corridor

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Classification of Terrain

Unrestricted terrain Restricted terrain Severely restricted terrain

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning:Classify Terrain

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Terrain AnalysisEffects of Weather & Light

OCOKA Troops Vehicles Equipment

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Check on Learning: How weather effects military operations

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MSL 202, Lesson 3a: Intro to Terrain Analysis

Questions?