Military Intelligence seeks to develop an understanding of the environment and the enemy to inform the commanders’ plan.
Military intelligence typically focuses on two factors; the Environment and the Enemy.
Environment Analysis
Military Intelligence Analysts are required to have a detailed and through knowledge of the operating environment.
By studying the battle-space intelligence analysts are able to better predict an enemies actions, and locations. Developing a detailed understanding of the ‘operating environment’ is crucial to assessing the enemies capability.
Enemy Analysis
Developing our knowledge of the enemy’s intent is the key objective of military intelligence.
By collecting information about the size, locations, goals, objectives and tactics of our enemy we can gain an insight into how they act, and assess what they’re likely to do next. Thus providing us with a tactical advantage.
Weapons Intelligence
Studying an enemies weapons and their equipment provides a military intelligence analyst with an understanding of what the enemy is capable of, and how they’re likely to act.
For example, the identification of night vision technology might indicate the preference to move under the cover of darkness. Similarly, the identification of an 81mm mortar, can provide intelligence analyst with key information about an enemies capability, and intent.
Knowing an enemies weapons it is critical to understanding the threat.
