The trail is subject to maintaining an efficient content management system enabling us to get a clear picture of where we should be heading. This system is based on a military intelligence process known as an Intelligence Cycle.
CONVENTIONAL MILITARY INTELLIGENCE CYCLE
The starting point is conventionally linked to a commanders’ brief, usually, but not always, for intelligence information prior to military operations against an enemy. Planning and Direction is the first stage and relates to deciding what information is required. Collection is the next step and involves gathering the required information. This stage involves deciding which collection assets to use e.g. spies, capturing enemy soldiers, satellite data, etc. Processing & Exploitation and Analysis & Production involves turning the collected raw information into usable intelligence. Dissemination and Integration respectively includes sending the intelligence reports to those in need e.g. field commanders; as well as updating the military’s general intelligence data-base through an integration process.
Why is it called a cycle? Once the raw information has been turned into qualified intelligence, a new picture emerges, which can necessitate the gathering of further information. Hence, the wheel revolves again.
AN ADAPTED INTELLIGENCE CYCLE FOR OUR TRAIL
MISSION BRIEF is our starting point, and incorporates the Planning and Direction process.
KEY TOOLS are the equivalent of Collection assets.
SUMMARY corresponds to the Process and Analysis functions that we include in our process.
CLUES are the bi-product of newly collected intelligence.
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS directly corresponds to solving the clues. In turn, clues lead us to the next step forward on the trail – a new Mission Brief; with its associated intelligence cycle. Accordingly, we are continuously propelled forward.
We are constantly feeding fresh information into this cycle to update our knowledge base to help us to fulfil our mission.
