The Intelligence Cycle
A continuous process of converting raw data into actionable intelligence through systematic collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination.
01
Planning & Direction
Defining the operational requirements, establishing the intelligence question, and setting the scope.
Relevant Protocols:
02
Collection
Gathering raw data from open source (OSINT), human (HUMINT), and technical (SIGINT) sources.
03
Processing & Exploitation
Converting raw data into a usable format through decryption, translation, and metadata extraction.
04
Analysis & Production
Evaluating and integrating data to create finished intelligence products that answer the requirement.
The Feedback Loop
Intelligence is not linear. Dissemination leads to new requirements (Planning & Direction), restarting the cycle. Every operation must end with a review to refine TTPs.