text: Chapter 6
  GAIN AND MAINTAIN SENSOR CONTACT
  6-27. Once a unit conducting intelligence operations gains sensor contact, it maintains that contact unless
  directed otherwise or the survival of the unit is at risk. In intelligence operations, gaining and maintaining
  sensor contact occur when the collection asset can observe or receive a signal or is observable from a person
  or object. Sensor contact is critical in signals intercept and imagery collection missions.
  REPORT INFORMATION RAPIDLY AND ACCURATELY
  6-28. Collection assets acquire and report timely and accurate information on all relevant aspects of the OE
  within the AOI. Collection assets report exactly what they observe and, if appropriate, what they do not
  observe. Seemingly unimportant information may be extremely important when combined with other
  information. Negative reports may be as important as reports of threat activity. To ensure collection assets
  report information rapidly, the intelligence staff collaborates with the signal staff to ensure communications
  plans incorporate collection asset communications requirements. The collection manager must establish a
  PACE communications plan for each collection asset and ensure it has been tested as information may
  quickly lose its value. Indicators and SIRs should be written such that they can be answered over the radio
  by a simple spot report in SALUTE format from the collection asset.
  PROVIDE EARLY WARNING
  6-29. Commanders and staffs position collection assets to provide early warning of threat action.
  Commanders use intelligence operations as part of their information collection effort to ascertain the threat
  COA and timing. They then orient these assets to observe these locations for indicators of threat actions.
  Timely and complete reporting is essential to providing early warning.
  RETAIN FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
  6-30. Collection assets require battlefield mobility to successfully accomplish their missions. These assets
  do not engage in close combat in the execution of their collection tasks. The criticality of collection assets
  makes their survival the utmost consideration. If these assets are decisively engaged, collection stops, and
  personnel immediately execute the necessary battle drills. The collection asset leader’s initiative and
  knowledge of the terrain, weather, and threat reduce the likelihood of decisive engagement and assist in
  maintaining freedom of movement. The IPOE process can identify anticipated areas of likely contact.
  SECTION IV – CONDUCTING INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS
  6-31. Intelligence unit planning begins with receipt of mission, identifying information collection tasks in
  an order or plan. The unit then deliberately plans, prepares, and executes the mission in close coordination
  with the supported unit collection manager and other staff members to satisfy specific requirements. During
  the execution of intelligence operations, collection assets and supporting PED elements process, exploit, and
  disseminate intelligence reports and combat information. The staff continually assesses the effectiveness of
  the information collection plan to support the operations process. Combat information identified by the
  G-2/S-2 is immediately disseminated to the commander.
  APPLYING THE OPERATIONS PROCESS IN INTELLIGENCE
  OPERATIONS
  6-32. The operations process describes the sequence of activities performed by any military unit to
  accomplish a mission. (See ADP 5-0.) MI units conduct the same sequence of activities (plan, prepare,
  execute, and assess) to accomplish the tasks assigned to them. MI units follow the operations process to
  conduct intelligence operations the same way maneuver units do to conduct their operations. However, the
  conduct of intelligence operations requires collaboration and close coordination with the supported unit
  intelligence staff. (See figure 6-2.)