1-7. Analysis of the broad aspects of an operational environment in terms of the operational variables provides relevant information that senior commanders use to understand, visualize, and describe the operational environment. The operational variables are political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, and time (PMESII-PT). Upon receipt of a warning order or mission, Army leaders filter relevant information and narrow their focus to six mission variables-mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC). Extensive analysis of the operational and mission variables involves significant intelligence support as intelligence often provides the critical context and cultural understanding necessary to support staff planning and facilitate situational understanding.