Combat commanders need timely and accurate intelligence.

In order to drive intelligence as a part of the intelligence operating system, commanders must understand what intelligence can do, how to focus it on specific requirements, and how you can integrate it with other operating systems.

Intelligence is your tool; it is the foundation for synchronizing operations, massing combat power and effects, and protecting the force. There is no such thing as perfect intelligence but, when properly focused and planned and executed, intelligence operations are invaluable.

To effectively use intelligence, you must understand; the capabilities and limitations of the intelligence operating system; the intelligence architecture (which includes command and control; processing; collaborative and distributed analysis; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] operations; and intelligence networks and communications); how you focus ISR operations and how you and your staff synchronize ISR with other operations.

Written primarily for maneuver commanders and executive officers at brigade or regiment and battalion or squadron levels to include Active Components.

This handbook addresses all these requirements and instructs the user on how to provide timely, relevant, accurate, and predictive intelligence support to oneself, one's staff, and subordinates when planning, preparing, and executing decisive actions within the area of operations (AO).