There is a distinction, or boundary, between operational information and intelli

Question

There is a distinction, or boundary, between operational information and intelligence that can be fuzzy. When we think of operational intelligence, we often find that the information gathered can be used in different ways. As an example, a radar return of approaching aircraft can be used operationally to vector our own aircraft to an appropriate intercept location. We can consider this operational information in that it gives us real-time advantage toward reducing uncertainty and enabling operations. At the same time, we can use the same radar returns to make assessments about the approaching aircraft's performance capabilities, such as speed and altitude, or about the tactics adversarial pilots might use.

Come up with at least two examples of your own of information that could be considered either operational information or intelligence. Indicate which category you would put each in. Then select one example from your classmates' submissions and argue that it should fit into the opposite category from the one in which they selected.

Explanation / Answer

1. Case I

The operational information about a business rival's actions in a new market can be seen as a vital operational clue that might be useful for planning expansion in future, whereas the same information can be used as an intelligence input to come up with a strategy to counter the actions of the competitor to compete for the share in the pie.

Case II

An dealer of educational products can observe the pattern of working hours in nearby schools to plan the operational activities of his shop. The same pattern can be used as a tactical input for planning promotional activites outside the school to lure parents and students.

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