Strategic Intelligence Observations from the Pre-Vietnam and Pre-9/11 Periods for the Intelligence Professional and the Policy-Maker

Abstract

This study investigates strategic intelligence failures of the pre-Vietnam and pre-9/11 time periods. The monograph presents PEMISI (political, economic, military, information, societal, and intelligence) environmental analyses of both time periods in order toevaluate whether intelligence lessons are truly similar in both periods. The intelligence observations presented are not an exhaustive representation of the U. S. Government?s intelligence lessons from these two periods. Rather they are collected from comprehensive and quality studies of Vietnam and the 9/11 Commission Report and other sources. The resulting evidence suggests that five intelligence issues are similar between the two periods. A critical look at the similarities and disparities is made as a conclusion with the warning that contextual considerations are imperative for proper application of remedies. The monograph recommends historical education for analysts of intelligence pitfalls throughout history. Additionally, a caution is offered to policy-makers against the politicization of intelligence and need to understand and trust in the processes and professionals of the intelligence community.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2007
Accession Number
ADA470899

Entities

People

  • Christine D. Watson

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Counterterrorism
  • Intelligence Community (United States)
  • Intelligence Cycle
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Policy
  • Recreation
  • Sociopolitics
  • Terrorism
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Strategic Security Studies
  • Systems Analysis and Design