Planning, Intelligence, and the Art of War

Planning, Intelligence, and the Art of War provides a practical and rigorous framework for integrating intelligence into operational military planning. Centered on the critical task of forecasting--anticipating how military force might be used to resolve emerging crises--this step-by-step resource equips planners and analysts with the tools to develop informed courses of action, design effective collection strategies, and communicate intelligence that directly supports decision-making. Through clear explanations, structured methodologies, and a phased model of conflict escalation, it helps readers align intelligence outputs with operational priorities. Bridging the gap between intelligence analysis and operational execution, this book draws from academic theory and decades of real-world lessons to present a disciplined way of thinking about intelligence at the operational level of war. Topics include analytic frameworks for understanding adversary behavior, techniques for evaluating military feasibility and risk, and detailed steps for building synchronized, multi-domain collection plans. Whether used to support joint task forces or interagency efforts, the guidance within is grounded, actionable, and relevant across a range of military contexts. Planning, Intelligence, and the Art of War is essential reading for military planners, intelligence analysts, and students in defense education programs. It is ideal for undergraduate and graduate coursework in Military and Strategic Studies, Intelligence Analysis, and Security Studies, and serves as a vital reference for professional military education, defense colleges, and wargame designers.