The Combatant Commander for Intelligence: Addressing the Operational Intelligence Challenge
Abstract
This paper examines the proposed establishment of a Combatant Command for Intelligence (INTCOM) being advocated by Senators Saxby Chambliss and Bill Nelson. Their bill, entitled the Military Intelligence Reorganization Act of 2005, would have significant impact on joint intelligence operations. This paper examines the requirements for successfully designing an effective unified headquarters, which would improve intelligence support to operational commanders. To be effective, INTCOM must be efficiently designed to support the specific requirements of the warfighting commanders. In this context, the paper will analyze the chain of command and responsibilities of the COMINTCOM; provide a detailed functional task analysis of the requirements for the INTCOM headquarters; study the requirements to reorganize intelligence forces and functions within the current unified command structure based on the establishment of INTCOM; and, finally, recommend a course of action for effective implementation of the legislation. This study concludes that considering the current challenges involved in the execution of GWOT, as well as the lessons learned from current operations ongoing in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, the formation of a centralized command and control element for intelligence has the potential to provide significant benefit to joint force commanders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA463263
Entities
People
- George Franz
Organizations
- Naval War College