PART B: PREPARATION OF OVERLAYS
1. The Intelligence Analyst works with a large volume of information. The process of
extracting pertinent information can be time prohibitive if he must always refer to
voluminous written material. Reducing the written material to graphic form through the
use of overlays enables the analyst to access vast amounts of information in a short
period of time. Overlays are also valuable tools in disseminating intelligence. The
analyst may use an overlay to depict targets during a briefing, disseminate areas for
reconnaissance, delineate collection taskings, or a wide array of other uses.
2. When the analyst prepares an overlay he must prepare it to scale, usually 1: 50,000,
using acetate over a standard military topographic map. He also labels the overlay with
information necessary for another command to use. This information includes the map
sheet identification and grid line references for proper overlay alignment over another
map. It also includes the title of the overlay, preparing agency, date of preparation, and
classification of the information contained on the overlay.
PART C: ANALYSIS
1. The ultimate objective of the Intelligence Analyst is to produce usable intelligence
utilizing all sources. of information and available references. Through use of the
SITMAP, OB files, overlays, journal, and other analysts, the analyst provides the
commander with intelligence he needs to deploy friendly forces in such a way as to
accomplish the mission.
2. Most analysis centers around indicators. Intelligence indicators are enemy battlefield
events based upon doctrine which will disclose the enemy commander's probable future
course of action. Therefore, analysis is producing an educated prediction of probable
future enemy actions by verifying or confirming indicators. This sounds quite easy in
theory but in reality takes a great deal of research, knowledge of doctrine, and the ability
to put together seemingly unrelated bits of information to develop a picture of the total
battlefield. This is not unlike putting together a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces do not
fit.
3. There are techniques of analysis that the analyst uses to help identify the presence of
indicators.
4. Pattern analysis is based on the premise that the enemy's course of action will result
in certain characteristic patterns that can be identified and correctly interpreted. The
analyst must identify the patterns of activity or tip-offs which characterize the operations
of specific enemy units.
IT0550
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