Dated May 2013

Field Manual (FM) 3-55, Information Collection, provides the tactics and procedures for information collection and the associated activities of planning requirements and assessing collection, tasking, and directing information collection assets. It also contains the actions taken by the commanders and staffs in planning, preparing, executing, and assessing information collection activities. As the Army fields new formations and equipment with inherent and organic information collection capabilities, it needs a doctrinal foundation to ensure proper integration and use to maximize capabilities.

The principal audience for FM 3-55 is all members of the profession of arms

FM 3-55 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.

The Army currently has no unified methodology or overall plan to define or establish how it performs or supports information collection activities at all echelons. This publication clarifies how the Army plans, prepares, and executes information collection activities in or between echelons.

This book is a "mini" (half the size of a regular piece of paper) size - A popular size to carry anywhere (briefcase, large pocket, purse) but the print is large enough for easy reading. Coil binding is used to allow for easy page flipping with no binding.

The Color covers are laminated for weather protection with black and white inside printing.