Trials by Fire: Strategic and Operational Intelligence in the Korean War

Abstract

This monograph examines the intelligence warfighting function at the operational and strategic levels during the Korean War utilizing the Joint Intelligence Process and the Joint Intelligence Principles of prioritization, perspective, and unity of effort to examine the dichotomy between success at the operational level and intelligence failure at the strategic level. The case studies for this research are the onset of the conflict, the defense of the Pusan perimeter, the Inchon landing, and the Chinese intervention. This monograph demonstrates that intelligence failed at the strategic level because it lacked focus, was poorly resourced, and was based on deeply flawed assumptions. Intelligence succeeded at the operational level because intelligence operations focused on requirements, were adequately resourced, and were integrated effectively. This research highlights the dangers of over reliance on assumptions with regard to an adversary for modern intelligence professionals.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 24, 2018
Accession Number
AD1071276

Entities

People

  • Max R. Rovzar

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Congress
  • Department Of State
  • Geography
  • Imagery Intelligence
  • Intelligence (Information Gathering)
  • Intelligence Collection
  • Intelligence Community (United States)
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • Military History
  • Military Intelligence
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Operational Intelligence
  • Second World War
  • United States Northern Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies