Collation Flashcards
Introduction
Collation is the process of receiving info, evaluating it and finally recording it in such a manner that it can be compared with known facts to facilitate interpretation. Proper collation method helps in organizing raw and unprocessed information into groups that will help to correct interpretation. Therefore, the extent of collation is to be carried out, will depend upon the size of fmn and tactical needs. however, these do not mean that each HQ should adopt its own collation system or that of piece of information that has no relevance for a particular HQ can be overlooked/destroyed.
Purpose
A good collation system should serve the following purpose:
1. Info should be easily accessible and in the most presentable form.
2. New info is logged properly, facilitating its comparison with the earlier known info, and its subsequent interpretation.
3. Different items of info are correlated and integrated so as to indicate or emphasize a pattern of activity or behavior.
4. A simple ref system is provided which all members of the int staff can use.
5. No info is lost sight of/rejected or destroyed.
6. To highlight the existing gaps in the int picture to make further collation/acquisition effort.
Principles
*Collation must be simple, systematic, comprehensive and standardized. All members of the int staff and the tendency to evolve ad-hoc collation system should be curbed.
*Initially, collation will be by main subject headings, which are then broken down into subheading covering various aspects, govern by the level of the HQs concerned and capacity of the int staff. For example: main subheading could be topographical and various subheading as roads and tracks, forest, river, canals, village etc.
*All info covering similar areas subject/aspects should be collated centrally to insure proper evolution. Parallel collation org involving duplication of effort, lead to incorrect evaluation in as much as full info is not available in any one org at any given time.
Process
The process of collation falls into the following three stages:
1. Logging or Reception
2. Evaluation
3. Recording
- Logging
*This implies that all incoming info must be logged chronologically otherwise individual items are liable to get overlooked. Info can be received in an int office on telephone, radio, verbally or through various types of documents. To ensure that all info is readily available and is not lost or misplaced, it must be logged. Various logs used for this purpose are discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
a. Telephone, Radio Telephony & Verbal Msg Log: All msg received/transmitted through these means of comn are logged in these logs. These logs are kept next to each telephone and radio sets and should be used to log the details of all comns received or transmitted. Info is then transferred to battle log. Normally a Tele/RT log is maintained with each tele/radio in an office org. Verbal msg log is maint with duty officer/duty clerk. Specimen of Tele/RT/Verbal Msg Log is given in Appx ‘A’.
b. Int Log: All info pertaining to the enemy forces, terrain and weather is recorded in this log. This log is maintained in all int offices from a Division to Army HQs. It forms the basis of all int estimates, appreciation, dissemination and future planning. If this log is not maintained properly, it would seriously affect the efficient functioning of an int office. This log may be maintained sector wise if the area of operation of int responsibility of the fmn is large. Specimen of Int log is given in Appx ‘B’.
c. Battle/OP Log: This log is maint at all levels to record in chronological sequence, all happenings in the Area of Interest of the unit or fmn. At lower levels, i.e. Bde Hqs and units only one logbook is maintained for ops and intelligence. All Div HQ and above, separate log must be maintained for operations and int by General Staff (ops) and General Staff (Int) respectively. Every info pertaining to own and en forces, terrain, weather, movement of commanders, issue of ops order and instructions and any other happenings is logged therein. This is one log from which complete sequence of actions of a particular can be deducted. The int staff at Bn and Bde level must pay adequate attention to this log. Specimen of Battle/OP Log is given in Appx ‘C’.
