From Reconnaissance to Surveillance: Intelligence Transformation in the New Millennium
Abstract
Bruce Berkowitz The vehicle moved steadily along a dusty road 175 kilometers east of the capital city of Sana'a. The American pilot received permission to engage and, peering at his video screen, centered the crosshairs of his Hellfire missile directly over the target. A few moments later, the sedan carrying six al-Qaeda terrorists dissolved into a mass of fire and debris. What makes this mission unique compared to the thousands of others flown during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is that this pilot is not a military officer. In fact, the CIA pilot is not even aboard his aircraft, a 1,500-pound Predator drone. He is "flying" this mission from a command trailer located hundreds of miles from the battlefield. This one event represents a major turning point in America's military evolution. It highlights the changing nature of the threat to the United States and showcases the emerging capabilities required to successfully defend our country in the new millennium. Transnational terrorist groups, willing to conduct suicide missions and eager to obtain weapons of mass destruction, pose a difficult problem for militaries geared to combat conventional foes. Because groups such as al-Qaeda operate in the midst of civilian populations and strike non-military targets, it is nearly impossible to defend the homeland without drastically changing our way of life. As such, the new National Security Strategy proposes that the United States not wait to be attacked, but should preempt terrorist groups before they can strike. The American military will need specific and timely intelligence if it is going to take the fight to the terrorists. The intelligence community, in turn, must significantly change the way it processes information and move from a collection paradigm dominated by reconnaissance to one geared toward persistent surveillance on demand.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA441598
Entities
People
- Eric L. Dahlstrom
Organizations
- National War College