Operations in the Balkans: - Issues in Sourcing Intelligence Requirements
Abstract
Operations in Bosnia and Kosovo today are supported by highly modified Military Intelligence (MI) units and by significant intelligence augmentation both in the Balkans and in Central Europe. These demands necessitate more individual augmentees from MI than from any other branch. My experience in U.S. Army Europe from 1998-1999 left me with an impression that the Army was struggling to fill these requirements. This study was undertaken to determine if these perceived intelligence personnel challenges had a basis in fact-and, if so, to make recommendations to overcome them. This study is based on intelligence personnel statistics, policies and trends; MI unit structures; and planned task force rotations as well as anecdotal evidence from MI leaders. It reveals several issues related to current MI requirements and sourcing strategies. Fundamentally, the objectives, policies, and resources (ends, ways, and means) for MI support to Balkans operations are out of balance. Two "train wrecks" loom in the near-term, and other issues must be addressed quickly to avoid mid-term crises. The two most urgent issues concern declining numbers of deployable counter-intelligence (CI) assets and the lack of adequate MI organizations to support two scheduled National Guard (NG)-led Bosnia rotations. CI personnel shortfalls, declining recruiting and retention, and disproportionate deployment are exhausting our resources. Recently approved force structure changes cannot field new assets in time to redress the problem. Alternative approaches must be implemented to accomplish some CI functions and allow reduction of deployed CI requirements sustainable levels. Second, seven of eight NG divisional Ml Battalions are cadre units, yet three NG division headquarters will lead SFOR rotations. Composite Ml battalions must be developed, organized, and trained to deploy for two of the three scheduled NG-led SFOR rotations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378238
Entities
People
- Brooks B. Chamberlin
Organizations
- United States Army War College