Operational intelligence is the link between strategic and tactical intelligence.
Commanders use IEW support to anticipate the battle, understand the battlefield, and influence the outcome of operations. They also use it to support force protection. IEW enables commanders to focus, leverage, and protect their combat power and resources. CSS commanders use IEW to identify the vulnerability of CSS sites and operations to enemy action, in both forward and rear areas. They also use intelligence to anticipate friendly logistics requirements and to locate routes and sites for CSS operations.