Fm 34-130: Intelligence Preparation Of The Battlefield

In 1994, the Army released FM 34-130: Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB). According to this manual, IPB “is a systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and environment in a specific geographic area. Applying the IPB process helps the commander selectively apply and maximize his combat power at critical points in time and space on the battlefield.” Despite the Army publishing a guide detailing the steps commanders need to take in order to gain strategic and tactical superiority, military commanders at all levels have planned operations in accordance with IPB doctrine for centuries. For example, during the Hundred Years War between England and France, Edward III (England) and Philip VI (France) used IPB processes

In July 1346, Edward landed in Normandy with approximately 10,000 men. The French followed shortly after, with as many as five to six times the number of soldiers. Edward decided that he would not be able to outrun the French, and thus decided to establish a defensive position at Crecy, and await their arrival. The battle, which occurred on August 26, lasted a single day and ended with an overwhelming victory for Edward III. Despite being largely outnumbered, Edward III was able to use terrain to his advantage and exploit French weaknesses in order to win the battle. Often considered the first major engagement of the Hundred Years War, the Battle of Crecy had several long term impacts that would influence warfare over the next century. According to LTC Kenneth Kops, “this battle marked the arrival of the English as the preeminent military power in Europe, it initiated a global revolution in military affairs, and it marked the beginning of the end of the chivalric way of life.” Whether or not the effects of the Battle of Crecy were as dramatic as LTC Kops claims, Edward III demonstrated his competence as a commander and defeated the French army, something that many of his predecessors was unable to

The temperature, precipitation amounts and wind levels can all affect an army’s weapons, assets and even individual soldiers. Many historians assert that the weather played a role in the French loss. According to Nicolle, a significant rain storm began as the French advanced to the battle field. In addition to lowering morale, particularly after marching all day, it slowed their movement. The ground was slippery and muddy, making it difficult for cavalry and infantry to advance. It also degraded the condition of French crossbows. As the strings of the crossbows became wet, they stretched and lost tension. The decreased range of the French crossbow made it difficult for the French to cause any casualties prior to charging the high ground. The English did not have this issue, largely because they were able to remove the strings from their longbows and keep them dry under their