The Intelligence Cycle

A picture illustrating the intelligence cycle model

The so called Intelligence Cycle is a model used world-wide for the process of producing intelligence. The model is a feedback-loop where results, findings and conclusions re-shape the direction and prioritizations of the intelligence production. The parts of the intelligence cycle are therefore often depicted as sectors of a circle, with arrows pointing from one step of the cycle to the next. The intelligence cycle is of course a theoretic construction which can be challenging to fully comply with in practice. Nonetheless, it is a very useful model to follow when structuring and organizing any kind intelligence production work. The model is valid as a structure of work for all from one-man operations to giant operations with thousands of people involved.

These are the parts or steps in the intelligence cycle. In all large organizations, with enough staff resources, all these phases are going on in parallel.

Direction

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Also referred to as: Direction and Planning
This is done in this phase: Definition of intelligence needs and requirements, formulation of questions you want to answer, prioritization of time and resources, selection of collection methods, specification of sources and more. Within NATO, a standard term used instead of “intelligence requirements” is EEI, Essential Elements of Intelligence.

Collection

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This is done in this phase: Based on the intelligence needs and requirements, one or several types of intelligence may be collected. Such types are for example OSINT, HUMINT, IMINT, SIGINT, ELINT, COMINT, MASINT. Regarding OSINT, different types of sources that can be involved are listed in this article: OSINT Source Typology

Processing

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This is done in this phase: Collected material is organized – collated – in some form, which could be all from putting xeroxed articles in a binder, to entering material in a digital database along with various descriptive data etc. Texts may need translation, or classification in terms of type, origin, subject, producer and more. A reliability rating can be assigned to the material. Raw data may need to be recorded in a structured format, along with metadata which turns it into information.

Analysis

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Also referred to as: Exploitation.
This is done in this phase: Analysis of the collected material is about interpreting the information and conclude what it means in relation to the intelligence requirements. Bits and pieces from different sources are compared and synthesised in order to create a bigger picture where things such as chains of events or event patterns or correlations can be confirmed, or motivate a hypothesis formulation which can be tested through further collection and analysis. The questions that have been formulated as part of the intelligence requirements should be answered.

Dissemination

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Also referred to as: Presentation, Delivery
This is done in this phase: The intelligence produced in the analysis phase is packaged, presented and delivered to the decision maker, client, reciever, superior officer etc, in some shape or form. Dissemination can be done in many forms – traditionally, a regular, written report on paper is a common format. Lately, digital media has become an increasingly preferred packaging of intelligence products.

Feedback

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This is done in this phase: Based on insights from disseminated intelligence as well as on new events, conditions and preferences, the client (decision maker, reciever, superior officer) provides feedback which is taken in to account in the Direction phase.