The Origins of Operational Intelligence
Abstract
This monograph examines the topic of operational intelligence from the standpoint of its historical development in support of operational level commanders. It focuses on two periods of military history and attempts to answer the question: what elements of operational intelligence developed during the Napoleonic wars and the American Civil War? This study concludes that elements of operational intelligence were present in varying degrees during both periods of war. More importantly, the difficulties experienced during these periods by those called upon to develop intelligence services capable of supporting commanders at the operational level of war, serves as a reminder that the advent of new technologies in warfare and the development of innovative, evolutionary, or revolutionary forms of warfighting by our adversaries require that intelligence organizations keep pace with operational advances. Failure to do so could result in a repeat of intelligence organizational shortfalls similar in degree of those experienced during the two wars. (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215754
Entities
People
- Victor M. Rosello Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College