Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield/Battlespace

ATP 2-01.3/MCRP 2-3A is a dual-designated Army and Marine Corps manual that constitutes current doctrine on how to systematically evaluate the effects of significant characteristics of the operational environment for specific missions. It describes how the commander and staff examine mission variables to understand how these variables may affect operations. It discusses intelligence preparation of the battlefield/intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) as a critical component of the military decisionmaking process (MDMP)/Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and how IPB supports decisionmaking, as well as integrating processes and continuing activities.
This publication supersedes FM 2-01.3/MCRP 2-3A and FMI 2-01.301 and expedites delivery of doctrine that the proponent has approved for immediate use in IPB support to operations. It facilitates a common understanding, foundational concepts, and methods of the IPB process.
The principal audience for ATP 2-01.3/MCRP 2-3A is Army/Marine Corps commanders and staffs. Commanders and staffs of Army/Marine Corps headquarters serving as a joint task force or a multinational headquarters also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine related to IPB. Trainers and educators throughout the Army/Marine Corps also use this publication.