Week 8 Blog

This week, we look at two different types of intelligence used by the United States to assess threats,  Strategic Intelligence and Operational Intelligence.

By definition, Strategic Intelligence focuses on long-term trends and potential threats to the nation based upon lessons learned from past experiences, as well as the current global situation.  This forward, long-term thinking carries on for months and years as it is utilized for political and foreign policy issues, and the posturing of military and intelligence assets globally.

Operational Intelligence focuses primarily on the now.  As situations unfold, this short-life span form of intelligence provides real time support of active situations for American forces.  It is the most high-pressure form of intel, as rapidly evolving developments place lives in danger, and depend on accurate collection and analysis of data in order to survive or avoid catastrophe.

When looking at the the intelligence drivers behind each type, operational intelligence is primarily events driven, and customer driven.  Once an event begins to unfold, the customer will require the latest information as quickly as possible, and that rapid-fire intel will be provided by events driven analysis, such as sudden activity in an enemy nation, a terrorist attack, or an act of espionage.  

Constantly, Strategic Intelligence relies upon both customer and events-driven data, but also incorporates analyst-driven and scheduled-driven data.  Routine and predetermined intelligence is gathered by analysts, who then take that information and collect and identify further information that can help with the operational goal at hand.  Scheduled driven intel collection involves the periodic updating of information pertinent to the intelligence target, such as updating files on target personnel, and continually monitoring enemy strength by numbers.  

In both cases, the mindset of the intelligence analysis must remain inquisitive, and persistent.  Maintaining objectivity and looking at the data in a forwards-thinking and external way is paramount to avoid falling into a bias trap that can put lives at risk.  The proper intelligence mindset is crucial towards the presentation of the final intelligence product, one that can deliver the most accurate information, and provide the most options to the customer.

-Alex Enriquez

Reference:

Benny, D.J. (2022). U.S. National Security and the Intelligence Services (1st ed.). CRC Press.              https://doi-org.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/10.4324/9781003270843