Joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment

Definition
Joint intelligence preparation of the operational environment (JIPOE) is the analytical process used by joint intelligence organizations to produce intelligence assessments, estimates, and other intelligence products in support of the joint force commander's (JFC's) decision-making process.

Overview
It is a continuous process that involves four major steps: defining the total operational environment; describing the impact of the operational environment; evaluating the adversary; and determining and describing adversary potential courses of action (COAs), particularly the adversary's most likely COA and the COA most dangerous to friendly forces and mission accomplishment.

The JIPOE process assists JFCs and their staffs in achieving information superiority by identifying adversary centers of gravity (COGs), focusing intelligence collection at the right time and place, and analyzing the impact of the operational environment on military operations.