5-15. Information collection is an activity that synchronizes and integrates the planning and employment of sensors and assets as well as the processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems in direct support of current and future operations (FM 3-55). Information collection is an integrated intelligence and operations function. The intelligence staff conducts information collection in collaboration with the operations staff to collect, process, and analyze information the commander requires concerning threats, terrain and weather, and civil considerations that affect operations. The primary Army information collection missions/means are reconnaissance, surveillance, security operations, and intelligence operations.