Collection manager

Definition

A collection manager in military operations refers to an individual or a team responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the gathering of intelligence and information. They work closely with intelligence analysts to prioritize collection requirements, allocate resources, and ensure timely delivery of relevant data. This role is crucial for providing decision-makers with accurate, up-to-date information for strategic and tactical planning.

Key Takeaways

1. Collection Manager plays a crucial role in the intelligence gathering process by prioritizing, organizing, and managing the assets and data collected from various sources and sensors.
2. They coordinate with different units and agencies to ensure that the information collected is relevant, accurate, and aligned with the operational requirements and objectives of the mission.
3. Collection Managers utilize their expertise in the capabilities and limitations of various collection platforms, such as signals intelligence (SIGINT) and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), to make informed decisions about information gathering and analysis methods.

Importance

The term “collection manager” is significant in military operations as it refers to the individual or system responsible for coordinating and overseeing the gathering, analysis, and dissemination of vital information known as intelligence.

This role ensures that the decision-makers and units engaged in an operation receive accurate, timely, and actionable data, which is crucial in promoting situational awareness, enhancing strategic planning, and supporting effective combat operation and mission execution.

By optimizing the utilization of various intelligence resources and collection assets while simultaneously preventing any duplication of effort or resource waste, the collection manager plays a pivotal role in determining the success and overall efficiency of intelligence operations in any military engagement.

Explanation

The role of collection manager in military operations encompasses a crucial responsibility in streamlining valuable information to ensure efficient use of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) resources. Acting as the hub for coordination and oversight, the collection manager establishes prioritization of gathered intelligence, allocates pertinent assets, and tailors the strategic distribution of these elements according to the mission objectives.

Essentially, their primary purpose is to optimize the appropriate synchrony of various information sources, ranging from human intelligence to advanced technological systems. This consequently allows command authorities to make informed decisions based on credible, relevant, and timely information.

In achieving a comprehensive situational awareness, the collection manager must thoroughly understand the operational environment and carefully analyze the adversary’s tactics, techniques, and procedures. Moreover, they must be capable of identifying intelligence gaps, determining the most suitable resources to fill those gaps, and effectively managing ISR activities to avoid duplicity and wasted efforts.

To this end, constant communication with other military personnel, joint and coalition partners, and intelligence community members is of paramount importance. Ultimately, the collection manager’s expertise and vigilance contribute to mitigating risks and enhancing the overall success of military operations.

Examples of Collection manager

Collection manager is a key component in the intelligence cycle, specifically in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) process. A collection manager is responsible for coordinating, prioritizing, and tasking intelligence assets to collect necessary information to support military operations and decision-making processes. Here are three real-world examples that involve the role of a collection manager:

Operation Inherent Resolve (2014-present): In the ongoing multinational military intervention against ISIS, collection managers have been responsible for coordinating with various intelligence agencies, partner nations, and military units to gather relevant information on ISIS activities, capabilities, intentions, and patterns of life. Analysis of this collected intelligence helps in locating high-value targets, routing supply lines, and identifying potential threats to allied forces.

Hunt for Osama bin Laden (2001-2011): During the extensive manhunt for the terrorist mastermind, collection managers played a crucial role in directing intelligence assets like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and human intelligence (HUMINT), to search for actionable intelligence that would lead to the location of bin Laden’s hideout. Coordinating intelligence efforts across multiple platforms and agencies eventually led to the successful raid in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where bin Laden was killed in

Operation Desert Storm (1991): During the Gulf War, collection managers were tasked with prioritizing targets, analyzing aerial and satellite imagery, and monitoring enemy communications to support U.S. and coalition forces. Through effective ISR coordination, collection managers assisted in tracking troop movements, infrastructure, and command and control facilities, giving coalition forces the necessary situational awareness to plan and execute decisive operations, which ultimately led to a swift victory against the Iraqi forces.

FAQ – Collection Manager in Military Operations

1. What is a Collection Manager in Military Operations?

A Collection Manager in Military Operations is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the acquisition and analysis of information required for a military mission. They evaluate available information, identify gaps in existing data, and prioritize requirements for intelligence collection from various sources, such as human, signals, imagery, and technical intelligence.

2. Why is a Collection Manager important in military operations?

A Collection Manager plays a critical role in supporting military operations by ensuring that relevant, timely, and actionable intelligence is collected and made available to decision-makers. They contribute to the development of intelligence collection strategies, enabling military forces to gain the necessary understanding of potential threats, enemy capabilities, and areas of interest. This essential knowledge helps shape operational plans, resource utilization, and tactical decision-making, ultimately leading to mission success.

3. What skills are required for a Collection Manager?

A Collection Manager should possess strong communication and analytical skills, as they are required to collaborate with multiple intelligence agencies, manage information flow, and make informed decisions. Additionally, the role requires adaptability and critical thinking to respond to evolving mission requirements. A background in military intelligence, an understanding of intelligence sources and methods, and familiarity with current geopolitical developments are also important qualifications.

4. How does a Collection Manager support the intelligence cycle?

A Collection Manager supports the intelligence cycle by being involved in the planning and direction phase, where they determine which information is required for a specific mission and develop collection strategies to acquire it. They also play an essential role in the collection phase itself, coordinating with various intelligence assets to obtain the needed data. Lastly, a Collection Manager evaluates the collected intelligence, verifies its accuracy and relevance, and disseminates it to appropriate parties for further analysis, production, and distribution.

5. What are the challenges faced by a Collection Manager?

A Collection Manager faces multiple challenges in their role, including dealing with vast amounts of information, rapidly evolving mission requirements, and the need to prioritize resources efficiently. Navigating the complexities of inter-agency coordination and managing classified information is also a significant challenge. Moreover, they must maintain a high level of situational awareness, staying informed about emerging threats and geopolitical developments, and adapting their collection strategies accordingly.

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Sources for More Information

• RAND Corporation
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Central Intelligence Agency
• Joint Chiefs of Staff