Why does collection planning require the ability to call on a variety of collection sources?

Collection planning necessitates the ability to leverage a diverse array of collection sources primarily to minimize the effects of enemy deception. In military intelligence, adversaries often employ deceptive tactics to mislead collection efforts. By utilizing various collection methods and sources—such as imagery intelligence, signals intelligence, and human intelligence—planners can cross-verify information and assess the credibility of the data received. With multiple sources feeding into the intelligence picture, it becomes more challenging for an adversary to create a convincing deception, as inconsistencies can be detected through the comparative analysis of the information gathered.

This multifaceted approach not only enhances the reliability of the gathered intelligence but also ensures a more comprehensive understanding of the operational environment. Consequently, the ability to tap into multiple collection sources is critical in identifying and mitigating potential deception efforts by the enemy, which ultimately supports effective decision-making in military operations.