Which War-fighting function involves managing intelligence operations?

The war-fighting function that involves managing intelligence operations is intelligence itself. This function focuses on the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information to inform decision-making and planning in military operations. Effective intelligence management is crucial for understanding the operational environment, anticipating enemy actions, and guiding friendly forces' movements and tactics.

This function encompasses a range of activities, such as gathering information from various sources, processing and analyzing that information to derive actionable insights, and sharing these insights with commanders and decision-makers to enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness. Intelligence operations provide the necessary context and foresight, ensuring that military actions are based on accurate and timely information.

Other options, while important in their respective areas, do not focus specifically on intelligence management. For instance, protection is primarily about safeguarding forces and assets, movement and maneuver pertains to the physical positioning and deployment of troops, and sustainment relates to logistical support and resource allocation necessary to maintain operational capabilities. Each of these functions plays a critical role in overall military effectiveness, but only the intelligence function directly manages intelligence operations.