What should the platoon leader’s primary focus be during an enemy analysis?

The primary focus of the platoon leader during an enemy analysis should be on understanding the enemy composition and disposition. This element is crucial because it provides a comprehensive view of the enemy's capabilities and organization, which directly influences the planning and execution of military operations.

Understanding enemy composition involves identifying the types of units present, their strengths and weaknesses, and the overall size of the enemy force. Disposition refers to how these forces are placed geographically and strategically, including their locations and formations. This knowledge enables the platoon leader to anticipate enemy movements and strategies, effectively coordinating responses to maximize the platoon's effectiveness in combat.

In contrast, analyzing supply routes and evaluating enemy tactics, while important, stem from the foundational knowledge gained from understanding enemy composition and disposition. Likewise, determining enemy leadership is significant but is more relevant once the overall structure and function of the enemy force are understood. Therefore, the best approach begins with a clear portrait of who the enemy is and how they are positioned before delving into other tactical considerations.