What is defined in Step 1 of the JIPOE process?

Step 1 of the Joint Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (JIPOE) process is centered on defining the operational environment. This involves understanding the specific context in which operations will take place, including the geographical terrain, political landscape, and other environmental factors that could influence military operations.

By clearly defining the operational environment, analysts can ensure that subsequent steps in the process are based on a comprehensive understanding of the unique characteristics that might affect adversaries and friendly forces. This foundational step helps to identify critical factors that will guide planning and execution of operations, ensuring that all subsequent analyses and actions are grounded in an accurate portrayal of the context in which they will unfold.

In contrast, other aspects like evaluating adversary capabilities, developing courses of action, or assessing intelligence processes are important components of intelligence work but come at later stages of JIPOE, where insights gained from defining the operational environment can inform these analyses.