Through the 1990s the U.S. armed forces engaged in peace operations in the former Yugoslavia. The predominance of the U.S. military and the lack of any true conventional peer opponent indicates the potential for commitment to similar situations in the future. This monograph investigates the applicability, relevance and analysis rendered by the current IPB model in peace operations. It will examine the question: Within the context of peace operations, is the current Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield process an adequate tool to provide a common, relevant picture for the commander? The monograph begins by describing the context and intelligence requirements of peace operations. Peace Operations require a different approach than that outlined in FM 34-130, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. FM 34-130 primarily focuses on combat operations and developing enemy courses of action. Rather than approach the problem using the current reductionist techniques used in IPB. Systems approach provides a potential answer to understanding the interaction between all factions involved in peace operations. The monograph therefore examines some concepts from systems theory that prove useful in understanding the dynamics of peace operations. These concepts are applied to case studies of recent operations conducted by the United States Army. Finally, modifications to the current IPB process are discussed. This monograph proposes changes to the current IPB model that provides additional insights into the motives and objectives of factions in a peace operation.

ADA 366343 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)