Virtual intelligence
Strategic Generalizations
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| Strategic Generalizations. The policymaker requires strategic generalizations with which to plan and direct operations. Analysts and their managers too frequently inundate the policymaker with thousands of "current intelligence" updates, and also exaggerate the threat, for lack of a model of analysis which requires them to address the peacekeeping environment in a comprehensive manner which readily brings out useful generalizations. • In 1989, after the Marine Corps Intelligence Center was established, a review of existing Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was found to contain no intelligence of general value to the Marine Corps. Everything was a "snapshot" (generally dated) of a specific weapons system, personality, organization, event, or location. • A more useful model for integrated analysis was developed, and tested, with the finding that the threat changes depending on the level of analysis, and also upon the relationship between the military capability being considered, and the pertaining civil and geographic factors in the area of operations. • Below is a high-level view of the model: • Military Civil Geographic Strategic Sustainability: Ability to sustain operations over time and space Allies: External relationships of strategic import Location: Strategic geo- political location or source of materials Operational Availability: Quantities of military power available for commitment Instability: Internal precipitants and preconditions of volatility Resources: Internal natural resources affording self- sustainment Tactical Reliability: Impact of training and maintenance on existing capabilities Psychology: Internal group dynamics affecting cohesion and operations Terrain: Internal geographic conditions affecting mobility Technical Lethality: Effectiveness of specific capabilities assuming no constraints Infrastructure: Transportation, power, communications, and other infrastructures Atmosphere: Internal climate affecting system performance • Figure 1: Concept for Integrated Intelligence Analysis • Two examples of this model's utility are offered because its implications are so important to policymakers dealing with complex conflict situations. • Download 384.47 Kb. Share with your friends:
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