Briefly discuss the steps in the intelligence/analytical cycle.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

1. Planning and direction: These are both the beginning and the end of the intelligence cycle. They are the beginning because they involve identifying a focus and specific data collection procedures, processing, analysis, and dissemination requirements. They are also the end, because when finished intelligence products are accepted, the cycle can be said to be completed.
2. Collection: It is the gathering and managing of raw data, which is then analyzed to produce the finished product.
3. Processing: Raw information from all sources is converted into a form that can be used by analysts. This is accomplished by information management, which is the indexing, sorting, and organizing of raw data into files for rapid retrieval.
4. Analysis and production: This is where the data that have been processed are translated into a finished intelligence product.
5. Dissemination: It is the last element in the five-step cycle, where the finished intelligence report is sent to the end user who requested it.
6. Reevaluation: It is crucial that the end user provide feedback about the value of the intelligence so that there can be an ongoing cycle of improvement. Moreover, the finished intelligence report itself, the decisions made, and the actions taken all have the potential to create new questions that lead back to the first element, planning and direction, thus beginning a new intelligence/analytical cycle.