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Since the onset of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the operational environment has become more complex. This complexity is characterized by a multitude of groups, ranging from friendly supporters and neutral observers to malicious opportunists and direct threats. In order to meet the challenges of a complex environment we must deliver high-resolution, multi-discipline intelligence to leaders at all levels-all in real or near-real time. Conducting intelligence processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) of data efficiently is the cornerstone of this effort, beginning with the transition from platform centric PED to a more holistic enterprise strategy.
Army doctrine has long recognized the functions of processing, initial analysis, and reporting, and the requirement for providing combat information. Today, joint and Army doctrine recognizes these functions under the concept of PED and the core capability of intelligence PED. In joint doctrine, PED is a general concept that facilitates the allocation of assets to support intelligence operations. Under the joint PED concept, planners examine all collection assets and determine if allocation of additional personnel and systems is required to exploit the collected information.
Beyond doctrine, PED plays an important role within the Department of Defense (DOD) intelligence capabilities development. PED began as processing and intelligence exploitation support for unique systems and capabilities, for example, full-motion video from unmanned aircraft systems. Unlike previous Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) collection capabilities, full-motion video did not have an automated capability to process raw data into a useable format and supporting personnel to perform initial exploitation. Therefore, a separate PED capability was required. Since 2006, PED requirements have grown significantly, and DOD has created many different PED capabilities across the intelligence enterprise. The following discussions are excerpts from MI Pub 2-0.3
PED Defined
Processing, exploitation, and dissemination is the execution of the related functions that convert and refine collected data into usable information, distribute the information for further analysis, and provide combat information to commanders and staffs.
PED is not exclusive to MI organizations; other branches employ sensor collection capabilities. Therefore, PED conducted by intelligence personnel or units is called intelligence PED. Intelligence PED facilitates efficient use and distribution of information following collection. In essence,...