Collection requirement

Definition

A collection requirement, in military operations, refers to the intelligence or information gathering need that is identified to address specific queries or issues. This requirement helps guide the intelligence apparatus in allocating resources, prioritizing tasks, and targeting specific objectives. By establishing a collection requirement, military commands can streamline their information gathering efforts and ensure relevant data is collected for strategic decision-making.

Key Takeaways

1. A collection requirement refers to the need for obtaining specific information or intelligence to support military operations, planning, and decision-making processes.
2. It is derived from an intelligence gap, which is a lack of information or understanding about a particular matter of concern, making it crucial to fill this gap for successful mission execution.
3. Collection requirements drive the allocation of resources and the employment of various intelligence disciplines, tools, and techniques, emphasizing coordination and collaboration among various intelligence-gathering entities.

Importance

The term “collection requirement” is important in military operations as it refers to the process of identifying, prioritizing, and managing the gathering of crucial information about adversaries and potential threats to ensure a well-informed decision-making process.

This process is essential to develop a comprehensive intelligence plan, allocate resources efficiently, and provide timely, relevant, and accurate data for military commanders to effectively execute missions and employ tactics.

By identifying the collection requirements, the military improves its situational awareness, reduces uncertainties, enables the assessment of enemy capabilities and intentions, and ultimately enhances the overall performance and success of military operations.

Explanation

A collection requirement serves a critical purpose within the realm of military operations, acting as a guide for intelligence personnel in gathering pertinent data that contributes to strategic and tactical decision-making. This information is crucial in understanding the overall operational environment, enemy assets, and potential threats. Functioning as a high-level request from a decision-maker, a collection requirement outlines specific information necessary for achieving a more informed approach to an operation.

Ultimately, the purpose of establishing a collection requirement is to direct the intelligence-gathering process in a manner that addresses the military’s goals, and enhances the troops’ ability to successfully execute their missions with minimal risk and maximum efficiency. The process of defining and utilizing collection requirements in military operations involves identifying intelligence gaps and prioritizing these in terms of their relevance and urgency. Once these gaps are recognized, the military’s intelligence capacities, such as human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), are deployed to fulfill those requirements.

By focusing on the specified information, intelligence agencies can avoid spending valuable time and resources on unrelated matters. This not only streamlines the intelligence-gathering process but also enables analysts to process and disseminate the gathered data more effectively. Consequently, military commanders can access timely, accurate, and actionable intelligence, allowing them to make well-informed decisions that directly impact the success and safety of their operations.

Examples of Collection requirement

A Collection Requirement in military operations refers to the intelligence needed to satisfy a specific information gap regarding an adversary or a foreign entity. Here are three real-world examples related to this term:

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991):During the Gulf War, the US-led coalition had numerous collection requirements to help plan and execute their strategy. These requirements included gathering intelligence on Iraqi troop deployments, fortifications, logistics support, and command and control structures. Military and civilian intelligence agencies used various sources such as satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and human intelligence (HUMINT) to fulfill these requirements and provide critical information to the coalition.

Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2014):In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the US and its allies initiated military operations in Afghanistan. Collection requirements during this operation revolved around gathering information about the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and other extremist groups operating in the region, including their training and recruitment methodologies, funding sources, and prospective targets both within and outside the country. This intelligence was gathered through various means such as signals intelligence (SIGINT), HUMINT, and reconnaissance flights to support the fight against terrorism and provide security in Afghanistan.

2014 Ebola Crisis in West Africa:Though not a traditional military operation, the US military deployed troops and resources to West Africa in response to the Ebola crisis to help contain the spread of the virus. Collection requirements during this operation included understanding the unique biological threats posed by the virus, mapping disease hotspots, and tracking the effectiveness of the containment measures. Military personnel worked alongside governmental and non-governmental organizations to collect and analyze relevant data, using this information to support the broader humanitarian response to the epidemic.

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Collection Requirement Military Operations FAQ

What is a collection requirement in the military operations context?

A collection requirement is an intelligence need identified by a commander or other designated authority, which engages intelligence assets and resources to gather and provide specific information to support decision-making and mission planning in military operations.

How are collection requirements prioritized?

Collection requirements are prioritized based on factors such as the commander’s priorities, intelligence gaps, the operational environment, and available intelligence assets. The decision-makers assign priorities to ensure that the most critical intelligence needs are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

What is a Collection Manager’s role in military operations?

A Collection Manager is responsible for managing the collection requirements and coordinating the use of intelligence assets. They work closely with the commander and intelligence analysts to identify intelligence gaps and develop strategies to meet those needs. This includes prioritizing requirements, coordinating with other units or agencies, and ensuring that the collected information is properly analyzed and disseminated.

What intelligence assets may be used to fulfill collection requirements?

Intelligence assets used for collection requirements may include a wide range of resources, such as reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), human intelligence (HUMINT) collectors, signals intelligence (SIGINT) assets, and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities, among others. The choice of assets depends on the specific requirement and the operational environment.

How is the information collected through collection requirements analyzed and disseminated?

The information collected through collection requirements is analyzed by intelligence analysts who convert it into actionable intelligence. This intelligence is then disseminated to commanders, decision-makers, and other relevant personnel in the form of reports, briefs, and other products, to support planning and decision-making in military operations.

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Related Military Operation Terms

• Debt Management Center (DMC)
• Financial Hardship
• Payment Plan
• Debt Forgiveness
• Debt Collection Assistance

Sources for More Information

• Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Central Intelligence Agency
• National Security Agency
• U.S. Department of Defense