Military intelligence

Military intelligence is a military discipline that use information collecting and analysis methodologies to offer advice and direction to commanders in making decisions. It is comprised of officers and enlisted personnel. This goal is accomplished by the provision of an evaluation of data from a variety of sources, aimed towards the commanders' mission needs, or by responding to inquiries as part of operational or campaign planning, among other methods. In order to give an analysis, it is necessary to first identify the commander's information needs, which are then included into intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination efforts.

The operating environment, hostile, friendly, and neutral troops, the civilian population in an area of combat operations, and other larger topics of interest may all be investigated in depth. Intelligence operations are carried out at all levels, from tactical to strategic, in peacetime, throughout the period of transition from peace to war, and during the actual conflict.

Most nations retain a military intelligence capacity to supply analytical and information gathering specialists in both specialised units and from other weapons and services, as well as from other branches of government. Collaboration between military and civilian intelligence capabilities is necessary to provide accurate information on the whole range of political and military activity.

It is possible that personnel conducting intelligence responsibilities will be recruited based on their analytical talents and personal intelligence prior to getting formal training.