Which of the following is NOT a named Intel cycle step?

• A. Planning and direction
• B. Collection
• C. Evaluation and dissemination
• D. Processing and exploitation

Answer: (C)

Understanding the intelligence cycle means recognizing its named phases: planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination. Evaluation isn’t listed as one of these formal stages. It’s more of a feedback or assessment activity that can accompany the process, but it isn’t a standalone named phase. So the option that combines evaluation with dissemination doesn’t fit the standard set of named steps. The other choices align with recognized stages: planning and direction, and collection are clearly named steps, while processing is the phase where raw data is turned into usable information (with exploitation sometimes used in different contexts, but the formal stage is processing).