3-12. The initial generation of intelligence knowledge about the operational environment occurs far in advance of detailed planning and orders production. This intelligence assists in focusing information collection once a mission is received or in anticipation of a mission. Commanders and staffs often begin planning in the absence of a complete and approved higher headquarters' operation plan or operation order. In these instances, the headquarters begins a new planning effort based on a warning order and other directives, such as a planning order or an alert order from their higher headquarters.