An Evolution in Intelligence Doctrine: The Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Mission Type Order
Abstract
Every day, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets complete a variety of missions but not necessarily in an effective way. Over the past several years, the Department of Defense rapidly expanded ISR assets and missions, responding to a directive of 2008 from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates that established the department s ISR Task Force and commissioned it to provide resources needed now on the battlefield as a means of keeping US forces safe worldwide. Although quick to field ISR platforms like the MC-12, with its heavily used full-motion video capability, the task force does little to address inadequate collection-management processes that hinder timely and relevant ISR operations. However, over the past several years, the Air Force s ISR operators developed the ISR mission type order (MTO) to overcome impractical and constrictive tasking procedures rooted in doctrine and inflexible theater guidelines that detract from the gains in hardware. As articulated by joint leaders of the past and present, predominant collection-management processes ignore the fluidity of asymmetric operational environments filled with enemies who are adaptive, decentralized and able to hide in plain sight. The ISR MTO, a more flexible alternative to the traditional ISR tasking method, is a proven and effective corollary to the traditional process, providing timely and relevant collection to supported units while offering higher headquarters (HHQ) flexibility in the application of scarce ISR assets. The Air Force must ensure that both service doctrine and joint doctrine, as well as current tactics, techniques, and procedures, continue to reflect the benefits of undiluted, layered, and responsive ISR operations offered by MTOs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570164
Entities
People
- Jaylan M. Haley