Joint Special Operations Intelligence Support A Critical Analysis
Abstract
The United States has experienced a rebirth in its special operations capabilities. From the failure of the Iranian hostage rescue mission at a desert airfield called Desert One , the military and the Congress focused to rebuild US special operations capabilities. The improvements in both special operations utility and capabilities has been impressive. The question that frames this study is; Has intelligence support kept pace with the advances in special operations improvements? This analysis looks at the intelligence support for joint special operations forces in operational or warfighting operations. The analysis opens with a discussion of the environment in which special operations forces will operate in the post-Cold War world. The requirements of this environment are captured to establish a baseline for analysis and evaluation of intelligence support. The key role of the special operations intelligence officer is analyzed in the context of the requirements and environment. The selection, training, and utilization of JSOF intelligence officers are discussed. The study's findings address officer training, service intelligence officer assignment policies, compatibility of special operations intelligence architecture with the theater architectures, HUMINT support, and national intelligent agencies support to JSOF. The study concludes that the intelligence support to joint special operations forces has greatly improved--but there are still problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 20, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA263670
Entities
People
- Donald R. Faint
Organizations
- United States Army War College