Intelligence , surveillance , target acquisition , and reconnaissance ISTAR stands for intelligence , surveillance , target acquisition , and reconnaissance . In its macroscopic sense , ISTAR is a practice that links several battlefield functions together to assist a combat force in employing its sensors and managing the information they gather . Information is collected on the battlefield through systematic observation by deployed soldiers and a variety of electronic sensors . " Surveillance " , " target acquisition " and " reconnaissance " are methods of obtaining this information . The information is then passed to intelligence personnel for analysis , and then to the commander and his staff for the formulation of battle plans . Intelligence is processed information that is relevant and contributes to an understanding of the ground , and of enemy dispositions and intents . ISTAR is the process of integrating the intelligence process with surveillance , target acquisition and reconnaissance tasks in order to improve a commander ’ s situational awareness and consequently their decision making . The inclusion of the " I " is important as it recognizes the importance of taking the information from all of the sensors and processing it into useful knowledge . ISTAR can also refer to : Variations of ISTAR . There are several variations on the " ISTAR " acronym . Some variations reflect specific emphasis on certain aspects of ISTAR . STAR ( Surveillance , target acquisition , and reconnaissance ) . A term used when emphasis is to be placed on the sensing component of ISTAR . RSTA ( Reconnaissance , surveillance and target acquisition ) . A term used by the US Army in place of STAR or ISTAR . Also a term used to identify certain US Army units : for instance , 3rd Squadron , 153rd RSTA . These units serve a similar role to the belowmentioned US Marine Corps STA platoons , but on a larger scale . STA ( Surveillance and target acquisition ) . Used to designate one of the following : ISR ( Intelligence , surveillance and reconnaissance ) . ISR is the coordinated and integrated acquisition , processing and provision of timely , accurate , relevant , coherent and assured information and intelligence to support commander ’ s conduct of activities . Land , sea , air and space platforms have critical ISR roles in supporting operations in general . By massing ISR assets , allowing a period of immersion , developing layering and cross cueing of sensors , an improved clarity and depth of knowledge can be established . ISR encompasses multiple activities related to the planning and operation of systems that collect , process , and disseminate data in support of current and future military operations . Examples of ISR systems include surveillance and reconnaissance systems ranging from satellites , to manned aircraft such as the U - 2 , to unmanned aircraft systems such as the US Air Force ’ s Global Hawk and Predator and the US Army ’ s Hunter , to other ground - , air - , sea - , or space - based equipment , and to human intelligence teams . The intelligence data provided by these ISR systems can take many forms , including optical , radar , or infrared images or electronic signals . Effective ISR data can provide early warning of enemy threats as well as enable military forces to increase effectiveness , coordination , and lethality , and demand for ISR capabilities to support ongoing military operations has increased . ISR concepts are also associated with certain intelligence units , for instance Task Force ODIN , ISR TF ( Company + ) in Bosnia , Kosovo and Afghanistan . In the United States , the similar entity is used within their Marine Corps ' s Surveillance , Reconnaissance , and Intelligence Group ( SRIG ) . The SRIG modelled as a consolidated military intelligence collection agency , most of the gathered intelligence are collected from many sources ( i . e . STA Sniper platoons , Marine reconnaissance assets , signal intelligence , etc . ) .