MCDP 2 Intelligence

Components of Descriptive Intel

- Basic Intel: general background knowledge about established and relatively constant conditions. ex: geography, culture, economy, and government institutions or size, organization, and equipment and climatic norms (weather). - Current Intel: more time sensitive than basic intel ex: existing weather conditions

Estimative Intel

- Focuses on potential developments. - Evaluates the past as delineated by basic intel and the present as described by current intel and seeks to anticipate a possible future or several possible futures.

Intel Defined

- Knowledge about the EN or the surrounding environment needed to support decision-making. - The analysis and synthesis of information into knowledge. - The process which identifies and evaluates existing conditions and capabilities, estimates possible EN COA based upon the conditions and capabilities, and assists in the development and evaluation of FR COA all in support of the commanders decision-making.

Characteristics of Good Intel

- Objective - Thorough (identify both known and unknown about EN) - Accurate - Timely - Usable - Relevant - Available (to appropriate commanders)

Information Defined

- Unevaluated material of any kind. - Represents the raw material from which intel is ultimately derived.

The Balanced Approach to Intelligence

1) Gather information from a variety of sources. 2) Emphasize equally all phases of the intelligence cycle. 3) Support commanders at all levels.

Generating Tempo Through Intelligence

1) Prioritization of intel requirements 2) Decentralization 3) Dissemination of certain information before it has been integrated, analyzed, evaluated, and interpreted 4) Accessibility of information 5) Intelligence products in a form easily understandable by users 6) Effective information management

2 Intel Objectives

1) Provides accurate, timely, and relevant knowledge about the enemy (or potential enemy) and the surround environment. 2) Assist in protecting friendly forces through counter intel.

6 Functions of Intelligence

1) Support the formulation of the commanders estimate of the situation 2) Aid in situational development 3) Provide indications and warnings 4) Provide support to force protection 5) Support targeting 6) Support combat assessment

Descriptive Intel

Describes existing and previously existing conditions.

Classes of Intel

Descriptive Intel Estimative Intel

Intelligence Requirements

Gaps of knowledge and questions about the enemy and the environment.

Ultimate Purpose in seeking EN Understanding

Identify centers of gravity and critical vulnerabilities and other limitations that may be exploited.

One feature that distinguishes intel from the other command and control functions

Intel deals directly with an independent, HOSTILE WILL personified by the enemy. - Intel deals with more unknowns and has less control over its environment than any other aspect of command and control.

Priority Intelligence Requirements

Intelligence requirements crucial to mission success.

Intelligence Cycle

Planning and Direction Collection Processing and Exploitation Production Dissemination Utilization

Levels of Intelligence

Tactical Operational Strategic

Strategic Intelligence

The factors needed to formulate policy and military plans at the national and international levels.

Tactical Intelligence

The location, capabilities, and possible intentions of enemy units on the battlefield and with the tactical aspects of terrain and weather.

Operational Intelligence

The location, capabilities, and possible intentions of enemy units within the theatre and with the operational aspects of geography.

Signals

Those pieces of information commanders receive that, if properly interpreted, can lead to valuable insight about the situation.

Noise

Various pieces of useless information: information which is false, out of date, inaccurate, ambiguous, misleading, or irrelevant.