Such information often can only be obtained immediately before, or during, the operation itself. The intelligence annex is not a substitute for an intelligence collection plan. The intelligence annex is a formal intelligence tasking document that may accompany an operation plan or order. It should be as brief as possible, consistent with clarity. Its first paragraph gives a summary of the enemy situation necessary to understand the plan or order, and may refer to annotated maps, enemy situation overlays, or current intelligence reports.
Subsequent paragraphs contain specific collection requirements and instructions.
SOP information should not be repeated in the intelligence annex. An example of an intelligence annex is shown below. A collection plan helps the collection manager coordinate and integrate the effort of collection resources. It provides a visible aid for balancing collection requirements. It is a dynamic working tool that changes with requirements and resources.