In military strategy, what is the role of intelligence?

The role of intelligence in military strategy is fundamentally about providing decision-makers with accurate and relevant information. This information is crucial as it forms the basis for strategic planning, operational decision-making, and anticipating enemy actions. By analyzing various sources of data, military intelligence helps leaders to understand the operational environment, identify potential threats, and gauge the capabilities and intentions of adversaries. This informed perspective allows commanders to make timely and effective decisions, which can significantly impact the outcome of military operations.

The focus of intelligence is on gathering, processing, and analyzing information rather than on psychological operations, physical training, or equipment functionality. While those aspects may be important in their own right, they do not capture the core purpose of military intelligence, which is pivotal in shaping strategies and ensuring mission success.