Which of the following is not part of the intelligence cycle?

The intelligence cycle is a continuous process consisting of several key phases that guide the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information. Among these phases, planning and direction outlines the objectives of the intelligence effort; processing and exploitation involves converting collected data into usable intelligence; and feedback plays a role in refining and improving the overall process.

The phase referred to as "execution" does not formally belong to the intelligence cycle. Instead, the cycle focuses on systematic phases such as collection, analysis, and dissemination, emphasizing the structured flow of intelligence rather than the act of executing operations based on that intelligence. Understanding the distinction clarifies the purpose of each phase within the intelligence cycle and illustrates how they contribute to effective intelligence operations.