Key terrain is any feature or area whose seizure or control offers a tactical
advantage to the force controlling it. It is dependent on the situation, enemy,
mission, and command echelon to which assigned.
The commander may designate certain key terrain as decisive terrain. To designate
key terrain as decisive terrain is to recognize the mission depends on seizing or
retaining it.
Avenues of Approach are air or ground routes by which a force may reach an
objective or key terrain. They are evaluated in terms of their--
* Potential to support maneuver.
* Access to the terrain and adjacent avenues.
* Canalization degree.
* Concealment and Cover.
* Observation and fields of fire.
Avenues of approach include mobility corridors (MCs). MCs are areas within the
avenue of approach which permit movement and maneuver.
An avenue of approach should be broad enough and contain sufficient MCs to support
rapid movement and maneuver of forces along its course. Obstacles should be
avoidable or reducible within a reasonable time without undue engineer support.
Concealment and cover are important, particularly to the force that does not have
air superiority.
Air avenues of approach permit the use of aerial sensors (penetration), attack
aircraft, and airmobile forces. A good air avenue of approach provides terrain
masking from hostile air defense radar and antiaircraft weapons. Avenues of
approach and MCs are keys to the IPB process.
PART C - TERRAIN ANALYSIS PROCESS
The terrain analysis process emphasized the use of graphics to portray the effects
of terrain on operations. Although weather and terrain analysis are separate
steps, they are integrated during this process, to show the effects on
trafficability and visibility on the terrain.
A series of terrain matrices and overlays are prepared to develop a graphic terrain
data base to facilitate the threat integration function of IPB.
Several functions are necessary to organize and refine the information needed to
accurately analyze a specific piece of terrain. Figure 2-9 depicts those
functions.
2-11
IT 0462
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