Everthing has intelligence value. Everything of value is a commodity, meaning it has a price (and a cost) and can be bought and sold. That statement is both bold and cold, but it is based in practical experience.
And a soldier's job is to win, which is somewhat removed from the academic exercise of observing, pondering, writing a description and drawing conclusions.
I draw your attention to the CA Area Study format per FM 41-10, which parallels and overlaps (surprise surprise) intelligence annexes:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...41-10/appb.pdf
Hang in there lad -- you have a solid brain and the ability to use it, which holds out the possibility of elevating you above your peers. Just remember that the term "intellectual" in the Army scares people even more than the term "General Staff" . . .