Which IC agency supports military forces in operational planning?

The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is specifically tasked with providing intelligence support for military operations and operational planning. It plays a crucial role in analyzing and disseminating intelligence necessary for the Department of Defense and others involved in military activities. The DIA produces assessments that aid in understanding potential threats and operational environments, which are critical for effective planning and execution of military missions.

While other agencies like the National Security Agency (NSA) and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provide valuable intelligence, their primary functions differ. The NSA is primarily focused on signals intelligence and cybersecurity, whereas the NGA specializes in geospatial intelligence, which provides critical mapping and imagery support but is not primarily focused on operational planning for military forces. The Department of Energy has responsibilities related to energy policy and nuclear security, which does not align with the core mission of supporting military operational planning.