American Information Collection Operations in the European Theater of Operations in World War II: Lessons for Military Intelligence in Future Large-Scale Conflicts
Abstract
The United States military is in a state of uncertainty as it prepares for operations in large-scale combat operations (LSCO) against near-peer adversaries where competition exists in all warfighting domains. This competition poses new threats to the US military's ability to conduct effective information collection (IC) operations, which threatens the quality and quantity of valuable intelligence to commanders and planners. The military lacks contemporary examples of American IC in LSCO as the last large-scale conflict against a peer adversary America fought was World War II. Despite the 76-year gap, US Army's IC in World War II provides valuable lessons for future leaders' consideration in future LSCO. These lessons include the importance of intelligence collaboration with allies and partner nations, flexibility in overcoming intelligence manning shortcomings, and the accessibility of intelligence gathering organizations for supported units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1161133
Entities
People
- Matthew J. Krivensky
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies