Which of the following is the first step in IPOE?

• A. Define the Operational Environment
• B. Describe environmental effects on operations
• C. Evaluate the threat
• D. Determine threat COAs

Answer: (A)

Defining the Operational Environment sets the scope for the entire IPOE process. It establishes geography, time frame, actors, institutions, and boundaries, so every later analysis is grounded in a clear context. Once the OE is defined, you can accurately assess how environmental factors—such as terrain, weather, infrastructure, and societal dynamics—will affect operations. Only after this framing can you properly evaluate the threat and then determine threat COAs. Skipping this initial step risks analyses that lack context and may misinterpret how the environment shapes both opportunities and risks.