Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com FM 34-54 Chapter 3 BATTLEFIELD TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS This chapter describes battlefield TECHINT operations, functions, and procedures. Battlefield TECHINT operations consist of collection, hasty exploitation, initial TECHINT reporting, analysis, evacuation (as necessary), detailed exploitation and analysis, and production and dissemination of final TECHINT products. The term "battlefield" includes any area of operation that US forces occupy while conducting the full range of military operations.
Battlefield TECHINT can start with one conscientious soldier identifying something new in the area of operations and taking the proper steps to report it. The information or item is initially exploited to ascertain if it represents an advantage for the enemy. If it does, the information or item then undergoes increasing levels of analysis until a countermeasure is developed and the technological advantage is neutralized. While a single weapon or technology seldom means the difference between final victory or defeat, it can give one side a battlefield advantage.
A mutually dependent relationship exists between the support the warfighter gets from the TECHINT process and the support TECHINT gets from the warfighter. Operational and tactical commanders identify, capture, protect, and evacuate CEM that undergoes analysis for TECHINT value. TECHINT analysts receive CEM, conduct detailed exploitation, and recommend countermeasures to overcome an enemy's technological advantage. Another result of this analysis is the development of a new US technology or an enhancement to an existing technology. In any case the end result is the neutralization of the adversary’s technological advantage.
Commanders further ensure the success of the process by demanding TECHINT support to accomplish their assigned missions. 3-1 INTRODUCTION