Exceptional Information: Recognizing Threats and Exploiting Opportunities
Abstract
Exceptional information (EI) is the manifestation of the unexpected. Historical examples of EI include Robert E. Lees lost order and the recovery of the German invasion plans into France, known as the Mechelen Incident. The 1997 edition of Field Manual 101-5, Staff Organizations and Operations, accurately described EI as the emergence of an unanticipated or unpredicted event that may present an opportunity for success or reveal an immediate or impending threat. It is crucial therefore for reconnaissance units, commanders, and staffs to be able to identify and apply EI in order to seize opportunities and maintain the initiative on the battlefield to enhance mission success. Applying a mixed methods approach using a combination of a qualitative literature review with a quantitative questionnaire distributed to human participants, this study examines the effect that the concept of EI plays in combat operations as reconnaissance units and staffs attempt to assist the commander in visualizing and understanding their environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1039564
Entities
People
- Jason R Wolfe
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College