operation, is synonymous with attack. The success or failure of the raid may
well depend on the information developed in advance.
Intelligence is a
product.
It results from the collection, analysis, integration, and
interpretation of all available information.
Such must be potentially
significant to the development and execution of plans, policies, and operation.
Intelligence is all the things which should be known before beginning a course
of action.
The aim is to provide the raid commander with the complete,
accurate data needed to conduct the operation.
b. Like the tactical commander, the raid commander's intelligence
requirements are those facts which he needs to know. These facts concern the
weather, the area, and the subjects involved. The degree to which each must be
considered will depend on the type and nature of the raid.
(1) Weather. The commander must make a proper assessment of the weather
conditions to determine what affect, if any, they will have on the operation.
(a) Visibility.
Fog, haze, clouds, and precipitation reduce
visibility.
Thereby such conditions provide varying degrees of concealment
from observation. These conditions normally favor the raiding party. On the
other hand, good visibility will favor the defender. It will permit him to see
the approach of the raiding party and to fire upon them accurately.
(b) Precipitation.
Heavy snow or rain will affect the mobility of
the raiding party as well as personnel morale and equipment serviceability.
(c) Wind. Wind speed largely affects the degree of cold in which a
person can survive.
The wind can also indirectly affect observation and
movement. It can do so by creating a screen of blowing sand, dust, or snow.
(d) Weather can have a direct affect upon the physical and emotional
states of acting personnel. It can also directly affect the natural features
of the environment. The physical and mental strain, and the lack of readiness
of personnel is increased by prolonged exposure to heavy rain, to high winds,
and to other harassing weather conditions. The ability to negotiate travel on
soil and street may be affected. Rain, air, temperature, wind, and humidity
can affect traffic on soil and street. Snow can affect cover and concealment.
(e) Although weather must be considered during the planning phase, it
is not always the determining factor in making the decision to conduct a raid.
It is true that, whenever possible, weather should be in the favor of the
raiding party, but other intelligence factors may demand action regardless of
the prevailing weather conditions.
(f) Information regarding the weather can be obtained from local
weather bureaus, newspapers, and radios; the Air Force Air Weather Service;
artillery meteorological sections; aviators; and by visual observation.
MP0100
4-4
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