Which of the following is not a step in the intelligence cycle?

The intelligence cycle consists of several key steps that guide the gathering, processing, and sharing of information to support decision-making and operations. The cycle typically includes collection, analysis, dissemination, and feedback, each serving a distinct purpose in forming actionable intelligence.

In this context, "collection" involves gathering data from various sources, "analysis" is the examination and interpretation of that data to identify patterns or insights, and "dissemination" refers to the distribution of the analyzed information to relevant stakeholders.

The option "implementation" does not fit within the traditional framework of the intelligence cycle. While implementation might be a part of operational processes that follow the intelligence gathering and analysis, it is not classified as a core step in the cycle itself. The focus of the intelligence cycle is primarily on transforming data into intelligence rather than executing actions based on that intelligence. This distinction helps clarify why "implementation" is not included as a fundamental step in the intelligence cycle.