What do the "5 W's" in intelligence reporting stand for?

In intelligence reporting, the "5 W's" represent fundamental questions that help to gather comprehensive information about a situation. The correct sequence consists of Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

• "Who" identifies the people or entities involved in the events being reported, which is crucial for understanding the context and the actors at play.

• "What" describes the event or action taking place, providing clarity on the subject matter.

• "When" gives the temporal context, detailing when the event occurred or when it is expected to take place, which can be vital for assessing urgency or planning responses.

• "Where" specifies the location of the event, which can impact operational decisions and the significance of the information.

• "Why" explores the motivations behind the event, helping analysts understand the underlying causes and implications.

This structured approach ensures a thorough and systematic collection of intelligence, making it easier for decision-makers to comprehend the situation and devise appropriate strategies. The other combinations listed do not maintain this established order or include all five necessary components, which diminishes their effectiveness in intelligence reporting.