I N T R E P X

In the world of intelligence, two of the most critical reports are the INTREP (Intelligence Report) and the INTSUM (Intelligence Summary). Both play vital roles in informing decision-makers and guiding operations, but they serve different purposes and have distinct structures. Understanding how to write both reports effectively is crucial for any intelligence professional.

This article will explain how to write an INTREP and an INTSUM, highlight their differences and similarities, and outline the key components of each.

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What Is an INTREP?

An INTREP is an Intelligence Report that provides specific, time-sensitive, actionable intelligence to decision-makers. It focuses on reporting new or updated information that could impact ongoing or planned operations. INTREPs are often used to deliver immediate intelligence in a focused, concise format, typically in real-time or within a short window of gathering the information.

Key Components of an INTREP:

1. Header Information:

• Date and time of the report
• Report number or identifier
• Originating unit or source
• Classification level (if applicable)

1. Subject or Title:

• A brief description of the report’s focus, e.g., “Enemy Movements near Area X.”

1. Key Intelligence Information:

• Who: The actors or entities involved (e.g., enemy forces, groups, etc.).
• What: The activity or event being reported (e.g., troop movements, significant actions).
• When: The date and time of the event or intelligence observation.
• Where: The geographic location of the activity.
• How: The means or methods by which the event took place.
• So What: The impact or implications of the intelligence for ongoing operations or decision-making.

1. Analysis or Commentary:

• Brief analysis of the intelligence and its potential implications for the operational or strategic environment.

1. Source and Reliability:

• Indicate the source of the information and assess its credibility or reliability.

1. Recommended Actions (Optional):

• Suggested steps or actions based on the intelligence.

When to Use an INTREP:

• When specific, immediate intelligence needs to be relayed to a commander or decision-maker.
• When there is new or updated information on enemy forces, locations, or movements that could impact tactical decisions.
• To provide time-sensitive alerts or warnings on evolving threats or opportunities.

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What Is an INTSUM?

An INTSUM is an Intelligence Summary that provides a broader overview of the intelligence picture over a longer period. Unlike an INTREP, which focuses on specific events or developments, the INTSUM aggregates intelligence from multiple sources and reports. It is designed to give commanders and decision-makers a comprehensive understanding of the intelligence landscape, typically within a daily or weekly timeframe.

Key Components of an INTSUM:

1. Header Information:

• Date and time of the report
• Classification level (if applicable)
• Reporting unit or organization

1. Introduction:

• A brief overview of the reporting period and the scope of the intelligence covered.

1. Summary of Key Developments:

• A section that provides summaries of the most important intelligence collected during the reporting period. These may include:
  • Enemy or adversary movements and intentions.
  • Significant political, social, or economic changes in the operational environment.
  • Updates on friendly or neutral actors.

1. Detailed Sections by Intelligence Discipline (Optional):

• Intelligence may be divided into sections according to specific disciplines, such as:
  • HUMINT (Human Intelligence): Information from human sources.
  • SIGINT (Signals Intelligence): Communications or electronic intercepts.
  • GEOINT (Geospatial Intelligence): Imagery or terrain analysis.
  • IMINT (Imagery Intelligence): Satellite or aerial reconnaissance.

1. Analysis:

• A more in-depth analysis of the intelligence trends or patterns observed during the reporting period.
• Assessments of adversary capabilities, vulnerabilities, and likely intentions.

1. Future Projections or Outlook:

• Projections of likely developments in the near future, based on the intelligence gathered.
• A strategic or operational forecast on how the intelligence might impact future missions or decisions.

1. Source and Credibility Assessment:

• As in the INTREP, include an evaluation of the reliability of the sources for each piece of intelligence.

When to Use an INTSUM:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the intelligence landscape, often used for planning or assessment.
• When there is a need to consolidate multiple reports and sources into a cohesive picture.
• For decision-makers who need a broader understanding of the operational environment over time.

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Key Differences Between INTREP and INTSUM

Feature	INTREP	INTSUM
Purpose	Time-sensitive, specific intelligence	Comprehensive overview of intelligence
Focus	Immediate events or developments	Trends and patterns over a period
Timeframe	Short-term, often real-time	Longer-term, typically daily or weekly
Level of Detail	Focused, concise	Broader, more detailed
Frequency	As needed, based on new intelligence	Regular intervals (daily, weekly)
Format	Short, specific information	Detailed analysis across multiple areas

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Similarities Between INTREP and INTSUM

Despite their differences, both the INTREP and INTSUM share some important similarities:

• Both Support Decision-Making: Whether focused on immediate intelligence or long-term trends, both reports provide critical information to help commanders and decision-makers plan and execute operations.
• Analysis Is Crucial: While the scope differs, both reports include analysis to help interpret the raw intelligence and offer insight into its potential implications.
• Source Reliability Matters: Both reports must include an assessment of the reliability and credibility of the sources, ensuring that decision-makers can gauge the quality of the intelligence.
• Clear Structure: Both follow a structured format that includes essential information like date, time, classification, and origin of the report, ensuring that the intelligence is communicated clearly and effectively.

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Conclusion

Writing an INTREP or INTSUM requires an understanding of both the specific intelligence needed and the broader operational context. While the INTREP focuses on delivering time-sensitive, actionable information about immediate events, the INTSUM provides a broader summary of intelligence trends over a longer period. Both play critical roles in shaping intelligence-driven decisions, and understanding their differences and similarities ensures effective communication in the world of intelligence operations.