Book excerpt: Intelligence Operations: Understanding Data, Tools, People, and Processes helps readers understand the various issues and considerations an intelligence professional must tackle when reviewing, planning, and managing intelligence operations, regardless of level or environment. The book opens by introducing the reader to the many defining concepts associated with intelligence, as well as the main subject of intelligence: the threat. Additional chapters examine the community of intelligence, revealing where intelligence is actually practiced, as well as what defines and characterizes intelligence operations. Readers learn about the four critical components to every intelligence operation--data, tools, people, and processes--and then explore the various operational and analytic processes involved in greater detail. Throughout, the text encourages discovery and discussion, urging readers to first understand the material, then break it down, adapt it, and apply it in a way that supports their particular operations or requirements. Unique in approach and designed to assist professionals at all levels, Intelligence Operations is an excellent resource for both academic courses in the subject and practical application by intelligence personnel. Erik Kleinsmith is Associate Vice President for Strategic Relations in Intelligence, National, Homeland and Cyber Security for American Military University. Culminating his military career as Chief of Intelligence for the U.S. Army's Land Information Warfare Activity, Erik pioneered the development of asymmetric threat analysis using data mining technology. In this capacity, he gained national prestige related to his involvement in the Able Danger program as the military lead of a team of analysts profiling and mapping Al Qaeda prior to 9/11. Erik continued his career in intelligence as a defense contractor, managing intelligence training with the U.S. Army for over a decade. His areas of expertise include intelligence, security-related training and analysis, counterintelligence, and information operations.