PIR

A well-formed PIR is specific, answerable, and tied to a decision. "What is the enemy doing?" is not a PIR. "Does the enemy have an observation post on Hill 841 that can observe our approach route?" is a PIR — it is specific and its answer changes the COA.

Writing Effective PIRs

Each PIR should answer three questions:

1. What specific information is needed?
2. Where geographically?
3. By when is the information needed (decision point)?

Example: "Does the enemy maintain a vehicle-mounted patrol along MSR IRON between 0200–0400L that could interdict our infiltration route? (Required NLT H-4 hours.)"

PIR vs. CCIR

PIR is a subset of CCIR focused on the enemy and environment. FFIR addresses friendly force status. Together they form the complete CCIR picture that drives the commander's decision cycle.

ISR Linkage

Each PIR must be assigned to a collection asset (UAV, reconnaissance patrol, SIGINT) that is tasked and given a time to deliver. Without a collection plan, PIRs are wishful thinking.