1. AGCCC 13-003 ADVANCED BATTLE ANALYSIS BATTLE OF IA DRANG VALLEY
VIETNAM WAR
November 14–18, 1965

2. What is Advanced Battle Analysis?
An advanced method used by the U.S. Army to provide a systematic approach to the study of battles, campaigns, and other operations, and for critical thinking about military problems.

3. Advanced Battle Analysis Steps
Define the subject. (3)
Review the strategic setting. (6)
Review the operational/tactical situation. (15)
Describe the action. (12)
Assess the significance of the action. (3)

4. Business Rules Everyone participates
Not everyone briefs, but everyone must be prepared to contribute
Everyone comes prepared to add to the analysis
Peer evaluation used to assess effectiveness of contributions

5. Leadership Positions Battle Analysis OIC Topic OICs (5)
Recorder/group paper author (2)

6. Briefing Topics & Sub-topics

7. Define the Subject/Evaluate the Sources
Define the Battle to be analyzed
Where did it take place?
Who were the principle adversaries?
When did the battle occur?
Determine the research sources
Books
Articles
Other
Evaluate the research sources
Content
Bias

8. Review the Strategic Setting (Set the Stage)
Strategic Overview
Study the Strategic Area of Operations and Area of Influence (look at policy for not only the country of the battle but other nearby states that influenced the battle being assessed)
Compare the Principle Antagonists looking at national level

9. Review the Operational/Tactical Situation (Set the Stage)
Operational/Tactical Overview
Study the Area of Operations both at the Operational and Tactical level
Compare the Principle Antagonists
State the mission and describe the initial disposition of the opposing forces

10. Describe the Action Describe the opening moves of the battle.
Detail the major phases/key events.
State the outcome.

11. Assess the Significance of the Action
Relate causes to effects.
Establish military “lessons learned”.