Which of the following is NOT a step of JIPOE?

• A. Identify the opponent's COA preferences.
• B. Define OE
• C. Describe OE
• D. Evaluate adversary

Answer: (A)

JIPOE is about building a clear picture of the operational environment and how an adversary might act, so you can plan effectively. The steps involve defining the operational environment, describing it in detail, evaluating the adversary’s capabilities and dispositions, and determining and evaluating adversary COAs. The idea of “identifying the opponent’s COA preferences” isn’t a formal step in JIPOE; preferences aren’t a defined part of the JIPOE process. Instead, you generate likely COAs and assess their viability based on intelligence and doctrine, using that analysis to inform planning. So the option about COA preferences isn’t a JIPOE step, making it the correct choice for NOT being part of JIPOE.