After ORBAT and capability assessment comes the question: how will the enemy actually employ all this? Here descriptive intelligence turns into predictive intelligence.
Threat template and SITEMP
The threat template is the doctrinal representation of how an enemy unit conducts an operation under ideal conditions — independent of the actual battlefield: standard formations, preferred maneuver, command relationships, fire support doctrine, reserve employment, reconnaissance methods and obstacle integration. Typical components: main body, advance guard, flank security, reconnaissance elements, artillery positions, air defense, engineers, logistics, command posts and reserves.
The SITEMP adapts that template to the actual environment: terrain, weather, current intelligence, mobility restrictions, friendly disposition and civil considerations. The SITEMP shows how the enemy is expected to deploy: positions, assembly areas, fire support areas, obstacle belts, observation posts, AD locations, reserves, axes of advance.
| Threat template | Situation template |
|---|---|
| Generic | Mission-specific |
| Based on doctrine | Based on current intelligence |
| Independent of terrain | Adapted to terrain |
| Standard organization | Actual deployment |
| Used for comparison | Used for planning |
SALUTE reporting
SALUTE standardizes tactical observation reports from patrols, reconnaissance and observers: Size · Activity · Location · Unit · Time · Equipment.
S: company · A: digging defensive positions · L: grid 32U MB 45321 77881 · U: mechanized infantry · T: 142300Z · E: 12 IFVs, 2 tanks, engineering vehicles.
Fused SALUTE reports update the ORBAT, confirm intentions, detect attack preparations, and locate logistics and command posts.
HVT versus HPT
A High Value Target is an asset important to the enemy's mission: brigade headquarters, artillery battalion, AD battery, engineer company, logistics depot, UAV control station, EW unit. A High Payoff Target is an HVT whose successful engagement significantly contributes to the friendly mission — jointly selected by intelligence and operations during targeting.
The friendly brigade intends to breach an obstacle belt. Candidate HPT: the enemy engineer company — neutralizing it prevents obstacle repair and significantly improves friendly mobility.
See the reference card HVT vs HPT: many HVTs may exist; only a selection becomes an HPT.
Indicators and confidence
Indicators are observable events suggesting an enemy COA is developing. Attack indicators: artillery moving forward, engineer reconnaissance, increased radio traffic, fuel distribution, ammunition resupply, UAV activity, bridging equipment. Defensive indicators: constructing fighting positions, mine emplacement, reserve repositioning, camouflage, obstacle reinforcement.
Never assess indicators in isolation — their value emerges when several occur together. One fuel convoy says little; fuel + artillery movement + engineer activity at once is a pattern.
Every assessment gets a confidence level: high (confirmed by multiple reliable sources), medium (several sources, some uncertainty), low (limited or conflicting reporting). Always separate facts, assumptions, judgments and confidence.