Days of Future Past: Joint Intelligence in World War II
Abstract
Joint intelligence existed long before the Goldwater-Nichols Act and the Persian Gulf War. During World War II, joint intelligence organizations and operations were initiated at national and theater level. These efforts increased collection, enhanced production, and expedited dissemination of critical intelligence to commanders as well as national policy makers. The emergence of joint intelligence between 1942 and 1945 and its fate after the war provide valuable lessons for today. The problems it confronted -- conflicting intelligence reports, inaccurate battle damage assessment, and inadequate dissemination -- remain familiar to JTF commanders and J-2 staffs today. So too are problems posed by bureaucratic infighting over roles and resources as well as reluctance on the part of some to fully support joint efforts. Ultra and Magic are terms that frequently come to mind when military professionals and scholars discuss the role of intelligence during World War II; but joint is a term that deserves inclusion in such discussions. While lacking the impact of Ultra or Magic, joint intelligence efforts contributed to Allied operations in virtually every theater. Joint intelligence operations enhanced collection, improved production, and expedited dissemination of critical information. Nonetheless, joint intelligence efforts during the war were neither universally accepted nor appreciated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA530770
Entities
People
- James D. Marchio