What process identifies, analyzes, and controls critical information about military operations?

The process that identifies, analyzes, and controls critical information about military operations is operations security. This encompasses a systematic approach to safeguarding sensitive information that, if disclosed, could compromise mission effectiveness or allow adversaries to gain an advantage.

Operations security involves several key practices: identifying critical information, assessing vulnerabilities, analyzing threats, and applying measures to mitigate risks. By maintaining a high level of operational security, military forces can ensure that vital information remains protected against interception or exploitation by enemies.

Mission planning focuses on the strategies and logistics needed to execute a particular task, while intelligence gathering pertains to the collection and analysis of information relevant to understanding the environment and potential threats but does not specifically address the protection of that information. Logistics management involves the coordination of resources, such as equipment and supplies, to support military operations but again does not center on the control of information itself. Thus, operations security uniquely encapsulates the entire process of identifying, analyzing, and controlling vital information in military contexts.