This paper addresses the concept of operational intelligence for homeland security and terrorism. It defines Intelligence Preparation for Operations (IPO), as a concept for addressing the intelligence needs entailed in responding to terrorism and operating in urban environments. As such, IPO includes consequence management intelligence, and is designed to facilitate “all-source/all phase fusion.” It should be noted that IPO is applicable in CONUS as well as in expeditionary operations. By definition IPO is multidisciplinary and bridges civil-military divides. IPO builds from IPB, Urban IPB, Consequence Management Intelligence, and the Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEW) process. IPO also integrates all intelligence disciplines (e.g., GEOINT, MASINT, Epi-Intel, etc.) into operational intelligence.

Understanding Consequences in Urban Operations