text: Information Collection Assets
  DEPLOYMENT
  5-10. Before issuing the execution order, higher tactical echelons and joint, interagency,
  intergovernmental, and multinational information collection assets support situation development and
  shaping operations in the objective area. Upon receipt of the execution order and approval of the course of
  action (COA), the geographic combatant command expands the size and scope of information collection
  activities. The geographic combatant command is in the area of responsibility with significant collection
  assets to detect, identify, and track adversary decision points and centers of gravity. The geographic
  combatant command collects information immediately available to the tactical echelon through the
  network. This continuously updates the COP and intelligence running estimate. Combat assessments of
  lethal and nonlethal effects drive decisions regarding the deployment timing, locations, and actions on
  arrival.
  ENTRY
  5-11. During the entry phase, deploying units are particularly vulnerable to enemy actions. Effective
  intelligence reduces that vulnerability. Tactical forces use the information that their higher headquarters,
  and theater- and national-level assets provide to maintain situational awareness and refine plans. The
  intelligence running estimate provides the commander predictive intelligence to anticipate adversary
  actions. Updates en route provide continuing information about the situation, the threat, and the
  environment. Updates allow the commander to adjust the plan before arrival to respond to changes in the
  AO or threat actions.
  5-12. Forces conduct tactical assault upon arrival as necessary. They conduct continuous reconnaissance,
  intelligence, and security operations. As the buildup of forces continues, the tactical forces reduce
  dependence on higher echelon resources and rely more on organic assets. As organic and supporting assets
  arrive into the theater, commanders immediately employ these assets to support tactical-level situational
  awareness. In addition, operational and strategic resources still contribute to the COP. Arriving units and
  staffs establish liaisons with units already in the AO.
  5-13. As the BCT enters the AO, it relies primarily on national-, theater-, and higher-tactical echelon
  information collectors until its organic assets become fully available. The intelligence overwatch support
  section provides context and focus to information gathered by theater and national collectors. Appropriate
  to echelon, the S-2 and military intelligence elements focus and put the information collected, analyzed,
  and disseminated by higher echelons into context. The different echelons integrate raw and analyzed
  information to answer their commander’s priority intelligence requirements (PIRs) and tailor reports to
  mission requirements. In the early phases of entry operations, focused, detailed collection and analysis of
  the BCT’s operational environment remains a primary responsibility of its higher headquarters. The BCT
  provides its own situational awareness of the operational environment when assigned its operational area.
  5-14. Once on the ground, the BCT immediately begins to deploy its information collection reconnaissance
  units, sensors, and collection systems. The tactical echelon expands its sensing and collecting capabilities
  until the entire force is on the ground and achieves maximum situational awareness. During entry
  operations, echelons above brigade provide collection support and serve to complement the BCT’s organic
  reconnaissance units and assets. Once the BCT deploys, strategic and operational echelons continue to
  complement the BCT’s organic assets and focus on those areas outside the sensing range and capability of
  the maneuver elements. Sensors covering the noncontiguous AO provide early warning and cueing of the
  BCT’s reconnaissance squadron and sensors.
  TRANSITION
  5-15. Information collection requirements during the transition phase shift from one operation to another.
  The combatant commander remains aware that major combat operations and stability operations may occur
  simultaneously.
  5-16. Commanders may reprioritize strategic and operational echelon information collection assets. The
  BCT’s collection assets become a resource for division headquarters and higher echelon units for their
  information needs. The AO generally involves other nations. Often, multinational information collection
  focus increases along with the involvement of nongovernmental organizations. Multinational collection